Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
strengthupbyeatingblandfoodssuchascrackersorsteamedrice.Aswithfoodpoisoning,
you may want to take some over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication.
Dysentery
Characterized by many of the same symptoms as described above, along with the possib-
ility of bloody stools and generally prolonged malaise, dysentery comes in two flavors:
bacillic (bacterial) and amoebic (parasitic). The onset of bacillic dysentery is usually sud-
den,characterizedbyvomiting,diarrhea,andfever.Treatmentisviaantibiotics,towhichit
responds well. Amoebic dysentery, on the other hand, has an incubation period and symp-
toms may not show up for several days. It's also harder to get rid of. It is usually treated
with a weeklong course ofFlagyl (Metronidazole), an extremely potent drugthat will wipe
out all intestinal flora—good and bad. It also has some marked side effects, such as a bitter
taste in the mouth, irritability, and dizziness. You should avoid alcohol while taking this
drug, as the combination can make you violently ill.
Aswithallgastrointestinalissues,it'sveryimportanttostayhydrated.Also,seeadoctor
to get an exact diagnosis. Because of the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases among
Guatemalans, most cities have at least one clinic that can take a stool sample and diagnose
the exact nature of the problem.
Cholera
Not entirely unheard of in Guatemala, cholera can be an issue in poorer neighborhoods
lacking adequate sanitation, which are usually not visited by foreign travelers. Today's
cholera strains are not nearly as deadly as those of the past, though there have been out-
breaks in Guatemala in years past. It's best to avoid raw fish and ceviche, a marinated raw-
seafood salad popular throughout Latin America.
Mosquitoes are the main carriers of insect-borne illnesses common throughout tropical
areas around the world. The best approach to avoiding malaria and other mosquito-borne
illnesses is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. Mosquitoes are most
abundantduringtherainyseason,sotakespecialcaretoprotectagainstmosquitobitesdur-
ing this time of year. Some travelers favor liberal application of bug spray with DEET as
the active ingredient, which seems to be the most effective at keeping the critters at bay.
Plant-based bug sprays seem to be less effective. It's also possible to buy clothing treated
with permethrin, a bug-repellent chemical. It's also possible to buy it separately and treat
your clothing with it. Treated garments are scentless in addition to being highly insect re-
pellent. You can find these products in camping and outdoor stores.
