Patient information from BMJ

Amebic dysentery: prevention

Last published:Sep 14, 2022

Amebic dysentery, or amebiasis, is an infection in your intestines (bowels) caused by a type of organism called an ameba. You're most likely to get it if you've been traveling in a developing country. This information tells you how you can help prevent it from happening to you.

You usually get amebic dysentery after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It's more common in countries where people don't have clean running water or might have difficulty keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean.

If you're traveling in or if you live in an area where dysentery is a problem, there are some things you can do to try to avoid getting it.

Water

• Don't drink tap water.

• Don’t drink drinks served with ice in them. Ice is usually made from tap water.

• Instead of tap water, drink bottled water (with an unbroken seal), fizzy drinks, or hot coffee or tea.

• You can make water safe to drink by bringing it to a full boil for a few minutes.

• You can also use water-purifying tablets and a filter to make water safe to drink. You can buy these from camping stores.

• Don't use the tap water, even to brush your teeth, unless you're sure it's safe.

• Don’t swallow any water while you’re taking a bath or a shower.

• Don’t swim in water that might be contaminated.

Food hygiene

• Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or eating dairy products made from unpasteurized milk.

• Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.

• Don't eat cooked food that isn't piping hot when it's served.

• Don't eat food from street vendors.

• Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.

If you become ill with diarrhea after you've been traveling, it's important to tell your doctor about where you traveled to. It will affect the kind of treatment you need.

Your doctor can advise you about making sure you don't pass on the infection to other people. If you work with food or if you're a healthcare worker, you may need to stay off work until your doctor gives you the "all-clear" to return to work.