A Report on a Cluster of Travelers' Diarrhea Among Cambodian Students Visiting Thailand

Wiwanitkit, Viroj MD

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Corresponding Author: Viroj Wiwanitkit, MD, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand 10330. E-mail: [email protected]

Declaration of Interests The author states that he has no conflicts of interest.

Journal of Travel Medicine 14(4):p 245-247, July-August 2007.

Background

Travelers' diarrhea is an important gastrointestinal disorder in developing countries.

Methods

A cluster of travelers' diarrhea among Cambodian students visiting Thailand is described in this article.

Results

Nine cases of travelers' diarrhea were identified. These cases were among Cambodian students visiting Thailand under an exchange program. All presented with symptoms of diarrhea and nausea, and all improved within that day.

Conclusions

The prevention of gastrointestinal illness as well as recommendations for hygienic precautions for travelers who plan to visit tropical Asia, where the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorder is documented, are important. In addition, a similar practice among local travelers within tropical Asia is also necessary.