Amebic dysentery
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Amebic dysentery: Condition overview
Get help treating and preventing bad diarrhea

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating amebic dysentery. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose the best treatment options.

Key points about amebic dysentery
  • If you eat or drink food or water containing amebas, they can get inside your body and live in your bowels.
  • You're most likely to get amebic dysentery if you've been traveling in a developing country.
  • You’re less likely to get amebic dysentery in these countries if you take precautions such as avoiding tap water or unpasteurized milk or dairy products.
  • If you are infected with amebas, you can pass the infection on to other people.
  • Treatment can help clear up your symptoms and kill the amebas in your bowels.
The diarrhea you get if you have amebic dysentery can make your body lose too much water. So it's important to drink lots of fluids. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom and before preparing food. This can stop amebic dysentery from spreading to other people.

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