Protecting yourself and others from stomach flu and travellers diarrhea when travelling to warm winter destinations

Released: January 24, 2012

Travel Health Notice

The Public Health Agency of Canada advises travellers going to warm winter destinations to practise safe food and water precautions and good hand hygiene while travelling abroad.

In the last month, there have been a number of reports of travellers returning to Canada from warm winter destinations complaining of symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Diseases such as norovirus, Salmonella and E. coli are common causes of stomach flu and travellers’ diarrhea among travellers. These diseases can spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces.

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

1. Practise safe food and water precautions when travelling.
2. Wash your hands frequently:
   1. By washing your hands with soap under warm running water.
   2. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
3. If you have recently travelled and have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea when you return to Canada:
   1. Tell a customs officer or a quarantine officer when in the airport. The officer will decide if you require further medical assessment.
   2. Wash your hands frequently.
   3. Avoid contact with others until you are well again and avoid preparing food while you have symptoms and for three days after you recover.
   4. If you have more severe illness, seek medical care and inform your medical care provider of your recent travel.