Diarrheal diseases in Morocco
As in many other travel countries, diarrhea illnesses are among the most common complaints that one has to deal with on vacation or on business trips. Due to the unfamiliar germs in the unfamiliar environment, travelers are particularly susceptible to diarrheal diseases. The most common sources of infection are water, food and toilets visited on the trip.
To prevent diarrhea, hygienic measures such as regular hand washing and boiling of tap water and food should be observed. Especially fruit and salad, which are not cooked before consumption, can be a source of infection for diarrheal diseases in Morocco. The most common pathogens for diarrheal diseases in Morocco are bacteria and viruses.
Usually it concerns the same pathogen species, which occur however in a somewhat modified form, why our immune system is less well armed against these germs. If there is an outbreak of a diarrhea disease, special attention must be paid to a sufficient drinking quantity. Tea is particularly suitable for this purpose, as it is boiled water, and sugar can be added to the tea, which also helps against the symptoms.
Many medicines from the travel pharmacy such as Imodium® and charcoal tablets can also be used for treatment. Would you like to learn more about the treatment of diarrhea? Only in rare cases do parasites or worms cause diarrhea in Morocco. Only in rare cases do parasites or worms cause diarrheal diseases in Morocco.
Rotavirus
Rotaviruses are among the most common pathogens that can cause diarrhea. Children in particular are typically infected with rotaviruses, as the infection occurs via smear infections and direct contact. In addition to small children in their first years of life, older people (over 60 years old) are also among the population group at risk for rotaviruses.
The symptoms of rotavirus diarrhea consist of abdominal pain, particularly watery diarrhea, and possibly vomiting and fever. Typically, the symptoms occur for only a few days (usually one to three days). The danger with a diarrhea illness by rotaviruses lies in the high liquid loss, which must be balanced by a sufficient drinking quantity.
Blood salts (electrolytes) and sugar can also be lost through the diarrhoea and should be reabsorbed in larger quantities.In general, affected persons with diarrheal diseases – but especially with a proven rotavirus infection – should not visit community facilities such as kindergartens, schools and retirement homes. Should it come due to a too high liquid loss to an admission into the hospital, persons concerned must be isolated. In order to arm itself against rotaviruses, an inoculation for babies under six months is recommended. Treatment of the disease consists of alleviating symptoms with medication for fever, abdominal pain and nausea, and the intake of sufficient fluid.
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