Winter travel dining advice

Friday December 17th, 2010

Travellers seeking Christmas dinner in a hot climate now have advice on the countries where this is most likely to be ruined.

British visitors to five countries are at greatest risk of developing unpleasant tummy bugs, according to the Health Protection Agency.

The countries are Egypt, India, Thailand, Pakistan, and Morocco. Nearly one in every 1,000 visitors to Egypt develops a problem serious enough to require laboratory diagnosis.

The HPA added that Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and most of Asia should be regarded as high risk.

Travellers can also reduce risk by checking their accommodation, including swimming pools, and any restaurants for hygiene standards.

Travel expert Dr Jane Jones said: "There are measures people can take to protect themselves while they are away and it is also important that travel health specialists and the travel industry work together to increase awareness of travellers' diarrhoea and to actively promote prevention strategies in high risk destinations.

"Personal hygiene and precautionary measures against food and water-borne illness are important at all times anywhere, but particularly when travelling to countries with less robust sanitary infrastructure than the UK.

"Taking sensible precautions such as avoiding tap water and ensuring food is properly cooked will help to keep a holiday at any time of the year both enjoyable and healthy."

Tags: Diet & Food | Traveller Health | UK News

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