But it's not all deckchairs on the beach and cocktails around the pool. The Travel Doctor estimates 30-50% of Aussie tourists will experience a bout of Bali Belly.
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Bali Belly is one of Bali's least popular attractions, but unfortunately it is all too common among visitors to the island. Bali Belly is just another expression for food poisoning (or stomach flu/gastroenteritis medically speaking).
Like many other illnesses, the bacteria that can cause Bali Belly can be passed from person to person. Poor hygiene is a sure way to increase your risk of contracting a stomach bug and can be avoided by: Always washing your hands with sanitiser before eating. Avoiding touching your face with unclean hands.
Contaminated waterNext to food, contaminated water is one of the most common causes of Bali Belly. Tap water in Indonesia is inconsistent in quality, so it's recommended that all travellers stick to bottled water. To reduce your risks of ingesting contaminated water, avoid: Ice in your drinks.
It's your body's reaction to unfamiliar pathogens often found in local food and water, resulting from different hygiene standards than many visitors are used to. Most times, bacteria such as E. Coli cause Bali Belly but viruses or protozoans present in untreated water can also trigger this condition.
This illness can occur at any time during the trip, or even after the person gets home. It is usually a self-limiting condition that clears up after a few days. It is often caused by eating contaminated food or water.
Yes, bali belly can be contagious. Bacteria, viruses and parasites can all be transmitted from person to person and in food and water. This is why the advice on personal hygiene, particularly hand washing and not touching your face if you are looking after someone who is sick, is so important.
While it isn't particularly common, tourists can get Bali belly twice. This is because many different bacteria and viruses are known to cause the ailment, and contracting it once will not make you immune to all of them.