What to know about food poisoning when traveling

Two cases involving possible food poisoning between tourists have raised concerns about what travelers can do to prevent and cope with food-transmitted diseases-not only during adventures, but inside and around resorts.

While the cause of Miller Gardner’s recent death, the 14 -year -old son of the former New York former Outfielder, Brett Gardner, has not been confirmed that Miller, along with other members of the Gardner family, have experienced gastrointestinal discomfort after eating while on vacation in Costa Rica. And a lawsuit filed this year in Toronto in relation to deaths associated with food poisoning in 2023 by 8 -year -old Stephen Gougeon and his mother, in April, claims, inter alia, that the Dominican Republic’s resort where he remained did not receive sufficient care for food handling.

In general, gastrointestinal diseases between tourists – travelers diarrhea and food poisoning – are particularly likely to occur in countries where water supply is not safe. However, there are many cases of food poisoning and hundreds of deaths in the United States each year, and these infections can occur wherever there are delays in the way of handling food. Raw or degraded meat, fish and shellfish can be contaminated and centers to control diseases and prevent high -risk foods include raw eggs and non -pasteurized milk.

The trip has additional concerns. “People may be in places where tap water is not necessarily safe and do not have control over how foods are prepared or handled,” said Dr. Adam Ratner, director of the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in Nyu Langone in New York. “When you are home, you have some control and have us and the local standards of the Health Department. It can be more difficult to evaluate security somewhere else. “

Parents must be particularly vigilant. Babies and young children are vulnerable to dehydration, which is generally the most dangerous aspect of gastrointestinal diseases. Other high risk groups include pregnant women, the elderly and anyone who is immunosuppressed. But even younger adults and adolescents may not realize how serious the symptoms of food poisoning can be and when it is important to receive medical help.

Here is what you need to know to be prepared when you travel and what to do if you suspect that you or your travel comrades have food poisoning.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning means that you have eaten something that is contaminated, more often with bacteria and toxins they produce, but sometimes with a virus or protozo parasite. It can happen because the food was not well cooked or because it was infected after cooked. In other words, the problem may arise anywhere while food is prepared, handled and served.

When members of a group who ate together get sick at the same time, this is usually proof of food poisoning. Typical symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by fever, chills and abdominal pain. With some infectious substances, especially some bacterial toxins, people get sick in a few hours, and with others it can take about 24 hours.

The greatest risk is the loss and dehydration of liquids. However, some bacterial toxins can do other types of damage to the body and there are some bacteria that can really produce a general infection or sepsis, especially salmonella.

What foods should you avoid on vacation?

Stay with food cooked thoroughly and served hot. Avoid raw shellfish, which may come from contaminated water, and raw or degraded meat. Especially in countries where water supply is not safe, avoid fruits and salads, which may have been washed in this water. The CDC also warns of foods such as Salsas and Ceviches, which contain raw ingredients.

Basically, food is safer when cooked well and served hot. This means that the buffets can be problematic, with food often standing for long periods. If you eat a buffet, hot food should be really hot, and if there is cold food, it should be really a fridge. Nothing should approach room temperature.

If food is cooked and then you are allowed to sit – as is often the case with road food – stay away.

Be suspicious of ice – boiling kills potentially pathogens, but freezing does not. If the ice is made of contaminated water, it is not safe. If you have concerns, stick to bottled drinks from the refrigerator.

Any shots should you take before traveling?

Everyone must be immunized against hepatitis A, a virus that is a common cause of gastrointestinal disease in many parts of the world. Children are usually immunized against hepatitis A in infancy now, but check that teenagers had the vaccine – and adults should take it if they didn’t.

What should you take with you?

You can travel with oral re -exhaustion packages – basically a combination of sugar, salt and potassium that can be mixed with clean water and drunk to replenish liquids and electrolytes.

Some doctors will prescribe antibiotics to carry with you. The idea is to take antibiotics if you develop diarrhea, hoping to reduce the course of the disease. However, possession of antibiotics – or even taking them – should not make you fly for the symptoms. You still need to get medical care if you are seriously ill.

For parents, it is worth talking to your child’s pediatrician about how to be in touch from abroad if you have concerns and you should consider insurance coverage while traveling. You may also want to explore in advance how to find medical help in your destination – whether it means knowing the position of the nearest hospital or emergency phone number. It may be useful to refer to the International Clinic Society of the International Travel Medicine Society.

What should you do if you develop symptoms?

Above all, stay hydrated. Drinks sports drinks; Drink clean water, broth or tea. and use the oral re -training solution.

Take the disease seriously. If there are repetitive episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, if you really can’t keep anything down and especially if things get worse, don’t expect to look for medical care. You should worry especially if fever, chills, bloody diarrhea or severe abdominal pain develop.

With a younger child, dehydration can happen quickly – for a few hours – and it can be difficult to get a sick child to drink. The American Academy of Pediatrics is advised to contact a doctor immediately if a child does not drink.

Probably, especially in a resort, you will find you to cross your hotel to find medical help. The most important tip is that if you are worried, you must be willing to insist on medical care and, if necessary, go to a local clinic or hospital. “Don’t get no answer,” said Dr. Ratner.

Follow Travel New York Times on Instagram and Sign up to our Travel Shipment Newsletter To get expert advice on the trip more smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Do you dream of a future getaway or just armchair? See our own 52 parts to go in 2025.