Is Bali Belly common?

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).



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On average, 30% to 50% of tourists are affected by 'Bali belly' during their vacations. 'Delhi belly', 'Montezuma's revenge', and 'Traveller's diarrhoea' are just some of the other names for similar cases.

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Bali Belly is another name for traveller's diarrhoea caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Usually, Bali Belly is caused by bacteria. The bacteria most likely to make you sick with a stomach bug is escherichia coli (e coli) as well as shigella s and salmonella.

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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.

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Your first symptom might be a sudden onset of rumbling stomach, bloating or nausea. Other symptoms can include: Loose or watery stools (diarrhoea) Urgency/frequency in going to the toilet.

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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.

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CAUSES OF BALI BELLY Contaminated food and water are the biggest culprits for carriers, and keep in mind it is not necessarily the last meal you ate: symptoms can appear as soon as one hour after ingestion, and up to 48 hours later (and even weeks later in some cases)1,3.

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Stick to a bland diet: Avoid food with spices and oil, dairy products, and alcohol, as well as limit both vegetable and fruit intake. Better grab some easily digested foods like soups and stews, potatoes, rice or bananas.

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Avoid pre-chopped or packaged fruits that may have been sitting out for too long. Too much spicy food can make your stomach upset and make you more likely to get sick from food. Be cautious of dishes labeled as “extra spicy” or “very hot.”

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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.

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Call a doctor if you have diarrhea that is severe, lasts more than a few days or is bloody. If you are traveling, call an embassy or consulate for help locating a doctor. Other signs that you should seek medical attention include: A fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher.

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The last thing you want is to get Bali Belly with baby in the belly. Although this food poisoning that is very common to happen in Bali can not harm the baby if you get sick, it sure isn't pleasant.

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The island ranks in the top three of all Indonesia's 34 provinces in terms of dengue burden. I Komang Wiramas Prayoga was studying in grade six at his school in Denpasar when he first suffered from dengue. After three days of fever my parents took me to hospital. It was getting severe,” he recalls.

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Start taking probiotics before your trip: Begin taking probiotics at least two weeks before your trip to Bali to help build up the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Continue taking probiotics during your trip: Take probiotics daily while you're in Bali to help maintain the balance of bacteria in your gut.

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Check with your doctor or travel clinic for advice if you aren't sure what you may need to keep your travels safe and healthy.
  • Analgesic (pain relief) medicine such as paracetamol or aspirin.
  • Antihistamine tablets for bites, stings, or allergies.
  • Cold and flu tablets.
  • Cough medicine.
  • Motion sickness tablets.


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Travellers' diarrhoea tends to happen in the first week of travel. Symptoms last on average 3 to 5 days and usually get better without you needing specific treatment.

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Make sure your pre-travel diet includes plenty of fiber, which makes stools softer and more comfortable to pass. Foods high in fiber include many fruits, like apples (with the skin), raspberries, and pears; beans; and whole-grain foods such as bran cereal.

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Learn some ways to treat travelers' diarrhea
  1. Drink lots of fluids. If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. ...
  2. Take over-the-counter drugs. Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. ...
  3. Only take antibiotics if needed.


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