If you've ever traveled to Mexico or any location in Central America you've probably heard about Montezuma's Revenge. In case you haven't heard, this is just a joking name for travelers' diarrhea, which not so long ago affected around forty percent of American visitors to Mexico.
The Revenge isn't a particularly nasty disease in itself, unless you're already ill or you don't look after yourself properly once you've caught it. However, it can knock a couple of days out of your vacation, so it pays to know a few facts about causes and treatments.
The first thing to remember is that Montezuma's Revenge isn't caused by the fact that Mexico is inherently "dirty" or unhygienic. Drinking water the world over contains bacteria. it just so happens that a water in Mexico carries a small group of germs to which Mexicans have evolved resistance but outsiders haven't. The same thing happens in India with "Delhi Belly".
Montezuma's Revenge isn't the threat it once was simply because most tourist resorts have gotten wise to the fact it was putting off potential customers. Many hotels and resorts - and even whole municipalities in popular tourist areas - have installed sophisticated filtering equipment that renders all water safe. Outside of these areas, it's wise to be careful about what you drink. Bottled water and canned drinks from major manufacturers are OK, though beware of ice. Likewise, don't swallow water when you shower or brush your teeth. All cooked food should be OK, but salads and other fresh fruit that may have been washed in local water can cause problems.
If Montezuma does get his revenge on you, you're very unlikely to suffer too much. Drink fluids, eat lightly and take it easy for a couple of days. As long as you're sensible it shouldn't disturb your vacation too much - and if you take sufficient care it probably won't trouble you at all!
Montezuma's Revenge
Montezuma's Revenge
Montezuma's revenge: how sanitation concerns may injure Mexico's tourist industry.(Restaurant Management): An article from: Cornell Hotel & Restaurant Administration Quarterly
Montezuma's Revenge
Montezuma's Revenge