The staff at The New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine specializes in the prevention and treatment of travelers' diarrhea. For patients with acute or chronic diarrhea, our in-office DNA testing rapidly diagnoses the 22 most common infectious causes of diarrhea with one specimen, usually in less than 90 minutes.
In his role as consultant to the CDC, our medical director, Dr. Bradley A. Connor, helps develop and update the CDC guidelines on prevention and treatment of travelers' diarrhea. For those who have diarrhea for a week or more, we have specialized diagnostic tests.
Not only can we explain what causes diarrhea, but we can also tell you how to stop it. Many people suffer from chronic diarrhea, and our team can help diagnose it. Diarrhea, especially when caused by parasites, can cause symptoms lasting weeks or months. In some cases, travelers develop what is now called post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), in which gastrointestinal symptoms continue after an intestinal infection has cleared.
Already sick after a trip? Post-travel visits are booked through Dr. Connor's practice, in the same office: go to www.drconnornyc.com (opens in a new tab) or call (212) 988-2800. Read more about post-travel illness care.
Planning a trip? A pre-travel consultation covers food and water precautions and the prevention and self-treatment of travelers' diarrhea.
Book online (opens in a new tab)Call (212) 734-3000
Travelers' diarrhea: common questions
What causes travelers' diarrhea?
Diarrhea can have several underlying causes, but when it is related to travel, the most common causes are infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites, or, less commonly, fungi. Infections are typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, by infected insects, or through contact with infected people or animals.
How can I prevent travel-related diarrhea?
First, schedule a pre-travel consultation as soon as you know your travel dates. A consultation can provide information about the health risks you may face during your travels, tips for avoiding disease, and available vaccines. It is also important to schedule recommended travel vaccinations well before your departure date and to take anti-diarrhea medication with you to treat symptoms if they occur and avoid dehydration.
Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, and make sure foods you do eat are served hot and thoroughly cooked. Drink and brush your teeth with bottled water, or drink other bottled or canned beverages during your travels.
When should I see a doctor?
An occasional loose stool may be nothing to worry about, but when diarrhea persists for more than a day following your return from travel, you should see a doctor for a post-travel evaluation so you can be tested for the presence of parasites and other pathogens. Diarrhea accompanied by fever or abdominal cramping, even if it lasts less than a day, should also be evaluated right away. To book a post-travel evaluation, go to www.drconnornyc.com (opens in a new tab) or call (212) 988-2800.
The New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine is an internationally recognized research center for chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in returned travelers, and we provide both preventive care and post-travel treatment for diarrhea.
Related: what to pack in a travel medicine kit, vaccine and consultation prices, and malaria prevention and rapid testing.