Travellers' diarrhoea

Abstract

Recent publications quoted and experience in this country over the last five years indicate that the use of some sulphonamides can reduce the incidence of travellers' diarrhoea and its severity. In the Indian tour of the hockey team it is considered that fatigue due to the strenuous nature of the tour reduced the effectiveness of phthalylsulphathiazole which on previous occasions had been used successfully.

It is suggested that for international athletic and sporting teams the following points are of importance in the prevention of travellers diarrhoea.

1. 1.

   (a) A planned period of acclimatization on arrival; the time necessary being determined by the length of the journey and the degree of climatic change. Allied with this is the need to avoid cumulative fatigue in the programme of the team.

2. 2.

   (b) Care in avoiding dietetic indulgences.

3. 3.

   (c) Avoidance of raw and uncooked foods as far as is practical.

4. 4.

   (d) The use of a prophylactic drug which fits the three conditions laid down. Phthalylsulphathiazole is considered the prophylactic of choice. In temperate climates the dose recommended is 1 gramme p.d., and this could be increased to 2 grammes p.d. where travellers' diarrhoea is known to be a particular hazard.