If you’re traveling to warm vacation spots such as Mexico or one of the Caribbean islands, you might appreciate some helpful tips on how to avoid waterborne disease.
1. Always use boiled or chemically-treated water. An electric immersion coil can be used to boil water and kill the vast majority of organisms in 10 minutes. (Don't forget a plug adapter.) For chemical treatment, two drops of household chlorine bleach or five drops of tincture of iodine may be added to a quart of water. The water should stand for a half-hour before use. Chlorine tablets available at drugstores or camping supply houses are a good alternative. The water may then be used for drinking, making coffee, or brushing teeth. (Tie a ribbon around the faucet or use some other device to remind yourself not to drink tap water straight.)
2. Drink canned or bottled carbonated beverages, including bottled water, and be sure the container is opened in your presence (or open it yourself). Beer and wine should also be safe. Where possible, avoid ice cubes.
3. Stay away from raw or incompletely cooked seafood, and eat foods that have been cooked well and are still hot. Avoid leafy vegetables, salads, creamy deserts, milk, and milk products. Peel your own fruits.
4. Choose restaurants by reputation and appearance. Ask airline crews for their recommendations. (Many airlines inspect the establishments used by their crews). Don't be taken in by "American-type" dishes since contamination comes from poor handling, cooking, and storage of food rather than the food itself. Restaurants of international hotel chains tend to be more sanitary, although the food is not always exciting.
5. Above all, wash your hands frequently and well.
