International Travel and Contaminated Drinking Water

Depending on your travel destination, you may be exposed to a number of different diseases. Exposure depends on the presence of infectious agents in the area. The risk of becoming infected will vary according to the purpose of the trip, the standards in accommodation, hygiene and sanitation, as well as the behavior of you, the traveler. Some diseases can be prevented by vaccination, but there are some that have no known vaccine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes 80% of all travel diseases to contaminated drinking water. When traveling to many countries, precautions should be taken to avoid sickness from small organisms in food and water. Many countries still fertilize with human waste, making it very important to take steps so that you don’t become sick.
Food and water-borne diseases are often transmitted by consumption of contaminated food or water. The risk of infection is reduced by taking hygienic precautions with all food, drink, and drinking water that is consumed. Some proper precautions are as follows:
• Tap water and ice cubes should be avoided where water quality is uncertain.
• Bottled water may even be questionable, and should be avoided if it arrives open or unsealed, as it may be filled from a local water source. Only drink bottled water if it is industrially bottled, or sealed.
• Fruits that don’t have a peel, raw vegetables, and salads should be washed with disinfected water.
• Brush you teeth with germ-free water. Don’t forget, if you need to take any medication, make sure the water you are using is germ-free, as well. Gastrointestinal upset may affect the effectiveness of your medication.
There are also a number of proactive steps that you, the traveler, can take to protect yourself. In the past 5-10 years, a number of water filtration products have come onto the market for travelers. These products are often small, compact, and provide the necessary filtration you would need when traveling abroad.
Perhaps the most popular brand on the market is Katadyn. Katadyn produces a number of products for every type of situation. Whether you are on an expedition, an overnight backpacking trip, or simply need a personal water bottle, Katadyn has the products that you will need. All Katadyn products will remove bacteria, cysts, viruses, and sediment from your drinking water, making it safe to consume and use. You can find these products at our online store, FiltersFast.com, under Katadyn.
Essentially, the best thing you can do when traveling abroad, is to be aware of your surroundings and to take proactive steps to protect yourself. Before you leave, be sure to have a plan for water, food, and anything else you require for survival. Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure! So have fun and be safe!!
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