Diarrhea of Travelers (Emporiatric Enteritis)

Abstract

Travelers from certain industrialized countries who visit less well-developed areas, particularly areas with reduced levels of food hygiene and water sanitation, run a special risk of developing diarrhea. Thoughts of how to prevent the common problem or how best to treat it occupy the minds of nearly all travelers. The economic aspects of travelers’ diarrhea are profound. Considering that $45 billion per year is spent by persons crossing national boundaries, that a high percentage of travelers develop troublesome diarrhea which often modifies the travel itinerary, and that nearly everyone purchases drugs to prevent or treat the disorder, the overall cost to the traveler is great. The economic implications to developing countries are of even greater importance. It has been projected that by the early 1980s, persons from various regions will spend $100 billion in foreign travel.’ If the current travel trends continue, 80% of these dollars will be spent in travel to Canada, Japan, and western Europe, while only 20% will be spent in the developing areas where economic support is needed the most. If the threat of diarrhea could be lessened, greater travel to Latin America, Africa, and Asia undoubtedly would be stimulated. A great deal of new information recently has become available in this area, and many researchers in the field are encouraged about the future.