News Release                   For Immediate Release

February 9, 2005

Gastrointestinal Illness in Travellers

The Public Health Unit received reports of severe gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea and vomiting) in local residents returning home from travelling to the Dominican Republic.  We are following up on contacts from this group.  The Public Health Agency of Canada is aware of reports of this type of illness in travellers returning from Punta Cana and Puerta Plata.  

Gastrointestinal illness is not uncommon in travellers to foreign countries, where it can be acquired from eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with fecal matter.  This type of illness can also be spread through the fecal-oral route, where hands become contaminated with bacteria or viruses after a bowel movement.  The bacteria and viruses can then be passed from one person to another. 

If Grey-Bruce residents have experienced illness after travel, particularly to the Dominican Republic, they should check with their doctor or call the Public Health Unit for advice from the Communicable Diseases staff.  Please be prepared to give detailed information about your illness and travel.

Residents planning to travel should check travel advisories regarding food and water safety.  To access several good sources of information, visit www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca, click on “Travellers”, and scroll down to “Web Sites for Travel Information”.

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For more information:

Chris Munn

Public Health Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

(519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456