The main diseases that can be contracted through food and drinking water are:
- Brucellosis
- Cholera
- Clonorchiasis
- Diarrhea
- Giardiasis
- Hepatitis A and hepatitis E
- Polio
- Anthrax
- Roundworm infestation
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Vaccinations are only available against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid.
For eating food in countries with hygiene deficiencies, the following mnemonic is especially important:
“Peel it, boil it, grill it, or forget it.”
Travelers should follow some basic rules when drinking water and consuming food.
- Do not drink water from the tap. Take all beverages only from sealed bottles, even for brushing teeth. Especially in street restaurants, water bottles already opened and containing tap water are often served. Refrain from using ice cubes.
- Fruit is only safe to eat if it has been peeled. The peel often has pathogens attached to it that cannot be removed by washing alone. For the same reason, avoid salads. Do not buy food wrapped in plastic film, such as sliced fruit.
- It is best to avoid dairy products (including packaged goods) and frozen products. The cold chain is often interrupted during transport and storage.
- Also beware of cold buffets in hotels; food often sits on the table for hours.
Author & source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of the medical literature, medical guidelines as well as current studies and was examined by medical experts.
