Preventing travellers' diarrhoea: How to make drinking-water safe

Travellers may be affected by a number of water-related diseases including travellers' diarrhoea.

This document aims to assist travellers in making sure that the water they drink is safe.

Publishing and ordering information

WHO/SDE/WSH/05.07
© World Health Organization 2005
This document is available in electronic format and in English only.

Rolling revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality

Water safety for travellers is included in the plan of work of the rolling revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.

Background

Diarrhoea is the most common cause of ill health for travellers; up to 80% of all travellers are affected in high-risk areas. Cases occur among people staying in resorts and hotels in all categories. It is important that travellers be aware of possible risks and take appropriate steps to minimize these.

Expected end-product(s)

• Revised section 6.3, for inclusion in first addendum to the third edition (will be soon available);
• Reformatted pamphlet providing advice to travellers (completed; see link above);
• Technical support document retained as reference document to support reformatted pamphlet

Progress to date

The Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality Working Group meeting (Geneva, 2004) agreed to a plan of work, which was updated by the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality Working Group meeting (Geneva, 2005).

A draft summary document and a technical support document on water safety for travellers had been prepared, and parts of them had been extracted and used in section 6.3 of the Third Edition of the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. The draft documents had been reviewed previously and had been used by WHO/PAHO and some other organizations.