Food and water precautions are of major importance when traveling to many developing countries. Countries that are thought to have safe water are the US, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Below are some precautions we suggested you observe to minimize your risk of developing a gastrointestinal illness as well as typhoid fever and Hepatitis A.
1. Drink only bottled beverages or mineral water
2. Use bottled water, even for brushing your teeth
3. Filtered, boiled water is safer than iodine or chlorine-treated water. A filtering system that is impregnated with iodine or chlorine may also be used. A UV light source, known as a SteriPen may also be used to purify water. This is available at camping goods stores.
4. Avoid ice as it is often made with tap water; bacteria can survive freezing for more than 7 days.
5. Avoid raw vegetables and salads. Only eat fruit that can be peeled and cooked vegetables.
6. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products such as ice cream, cheese and yogurt.
7. Avoid raw or uncooked meat, poultry and seafood
8. Avoid food or drinks from street vendors and buffets. Avoid open salsas, sauces and condiments.
