Gastroenteritis in Tourist Area, São Paulo, Brazil

An increase in the number of people complaining of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea has been reported from the beach areas of the state of São Paulo. The municipality of Guarujá registered slightly more than 2,000 cases in the month of December (2024). Other municipalities along the coast were also affected, including Santos, Ubatuba and Praia Grande. High summer temperatures, increased population density due to tourism and consumption of contaminated food and water are blamed for the increase.

建議

Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure to the many germs that cause intestinal illness (such as cholera, E. coli, salmonella, and many viruses) by following strict food and water precautions to avoid consuming contaminated food and water (especially when sold by street vendors and fast food establishments). These precautions include ensuring that meat is cooked thoroughly, not drinking tap water or ice made from tap water and trying to avoid swallowing water when swimming. Practising careful personal hygiene with frequent hand washing helps reduce the risk.