ABC Guide Index

Select a topicIntroductionAccident and injuryAltitude sicknessAvian influenzaChickenpoxCholeraCoughs and coldsDeep vein thrombosis (DVT)Dengue feverDiphtheriaDrinking safelyEating safelyFirst aid kitFood poisoningGastroenteritisHepatitis AHepatitis BHepatitis CHIV / AIDSInfluenzaInsect avoidanceJapanese encephalitisJet lagLyme diseaseMalariaMeaslesMeningococcal diseaseMotion sicknessPoliomyelitisRabiesSARSSchistosomiasisSexually transmitted infectionsTetanusTraveller's diarrhoeaTuberculosisTyphoid feverWest Nile feverYellow Fever

Many infectious diseases are transmitted by contaminated food or water.¹⁹ For travellers, the main health problem associated with contaminated food or water is Traveller’s diarrhoea.

Precautions and prevention^19,50,58

• Boil unpasteurised (raw) milk before consumption
• Boil drinking water if its safety is doubtful; if boiling is not possible, a well-maintained filter and/or a disinfectant agent can be used. Bottled or packaged cold drinks are usually safe provided that their seals have not been broken when purchased. Hot beverages are usually safe.
• Avoid milk, ice cream, yoghurt drinks and other milk products unless made with pasteurised (or boiled) milk.
• Avoid ice unless it has been made from safe water.
• Avoid brushing teeth with unsafe water.

(Please read the Disclaimer before using the ABC Guide to Travel Health).

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