What causes diarrhea in Bali?

Bali Belly is another name given to travellers' diarrhoea, which can be caused by consuming bacteria found in contaminated food and water. Always check the travel advisory here when visiting Indonesia. Bali Belly can include stomach discomforts like: Cramping.



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Contaminated water Next 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.

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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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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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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. That's thousands of people holed up in their hotel room suffering instead of enjoying the sights.

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Is Bali Belly contagious? The bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause Bali Belly can be transmitted between people and also in food and water. So, if you're caring for someone who is sick, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, avoid touching your face, and don't share food and drinks.

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Most cases of TD are the result of bacterial infection and are short-lived and self-limited. In addition to immunosuppression and sequential infection with diarrheal pathogens, ongoing infection with protozoan parasites can cause prolonged diarrheal symptoms.

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Bali Belly can leave patients extremely dehydrated. An IV helps quickly replenish not only fluids, but essential electrolytes and sugar.

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Unless you know it's a reputable venue, salads and raw foods are typically a no-go, as they're often rinsed in tap water. Fruit that has been pre-chopped or packaged is also risky, as there is a greater chance it's been handled.

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The tap water in Bali isn't recommended for drinking, so avoid it and stick to sealed bottled water. That includes steering clear of more than you might think, including ice in drinks, brushing your teeth with tap water, ingesting water in the shower, and food that has been washed in tap water.

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