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You usually catch amebic dysentery after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It's more common in countries where people don't have clean water or the facilities to keep kitchens and bathrooms as clean as we're used to.^{1 2}

If you're traveling in a developing country, there are things you can do to make it less likely that you'll catch amebic dysentery:³

• Don't drink tap water or drinks served with ice in them. Ice is usually made from tap water. Instead, drink bottled water (with an unbroken seal), carbonated beverages, or hot coffee or tea. You can make water safe to drink by boiling it for a few minutes. You can also use water-purifying tablets and a filter to make water safe to drink. You can buy these from camping stores. Don't use the tap water even to brush your teeth unless you're sure it's safe.
• Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or eating dairy products made from unpasteurized milk .
• Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
• Don't eat cooked food that isn't piping hot when it's served.
• Don't eat food from street vendors.
• Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.

If you become sick with diarrhea after you've been traveling, it's important to tell your doctor about your trip. It will affect the kind of treatment you need.⁴

Your doctor can advise you about making sure you don't pass on the infection to other people. If you work with food or you're a health care worker, you may need to stay off work until your symptoms have gone away.⁵

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.