Traveller’s diarrhoea: latest updates and the dangers of leaving it untreated

Traveller’s diarrhoea (TD) as the name suggests is diarrhoea or frequent loose/watery stools, that develop during or shortly after return from travel abroad. It remains the most common travel-related health event in those travelling internationally,¹ affecting approximately 80 million travellers annually.² In most cases symptoms are mild, however, in 3% of all travellers the disease will prevent them from participating in their usual activities or they will need to seek medical help.¹

Recent evidence suggests that TD prevalence ranges from 20 to 56% of international travellers visiting a tropical or sub-tropical country, who travel for less than 100 days.¹ Other estimates suggest TD affects 10 to 20% of adults and children travelling to moderate to high-risk destinations.^3-5 The risk appears to be highest in the first week of travel and incidence depends on a variety of factors including the traveller themselves, type of trip, destination, season, diet, and the activities undertaken.^6,7