Other gastrointestinal health

How to Prevent Amebiasis

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 25, 2017
How to Prevent Amebiasis

Amebiasis is an infection in the large intestine due to the presence of the parasitical amoeba entamoeba histolytica. This disease is present globally, although it is more common in tropical countries where food and water hygiene is poor and where the handling of manure and excrement for processing is precarious. Preventing contracting this condition is possible by taking certain precautionary steps. In OneHowTo we now explain how to prevent amebiasis.

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Steps to follow:
1

Amebiasis is often caught by intake of contaminated food or water and also by contact with infected faecal material. Although many people who catch the parasite do not show signs of infection, it is when the amoebas invade the walls of the intestine that the symptoms of this condition become manifest. Sufferers must be attended to rapidly by medical staff to avoid severe dehydrating or other complications.

2

One of the first weapons to prevent amebiasis, especially when travelling to tropical countries, is to always drink water from a reliable source. In many tropical countries, this means only drinking bottled water. Drinking water from taps, rivers or springs can trigger a stomach infection or generate an ill feeling. This is especially the case while visiting tropical regions or developing countries with lower hygiene standards. As a general rule of thumb, if you are uncertain about the quality of the water, don´t drink it.

3

It is also important to avoid eating uncooked foods or raw vegetables or salads from unknown sources were we cannot asses the hygiene and handling standards. Wash fruits and vegetables by wetting them in a mix of water with a few drops of vinegar or lemon for some minutes; this will help reduce the possibility of contracting amebiasis or other stomach infections If you eat away from home, especially when you are travelling, the best preventative measure is to entirely avoid raw food.

Also be cautious of ice cubes in drinks. Ask whether the ice has been made from bottled water, or order a drink with no ice.

4

Proper hygiene after going to the toilet is also essential to prevent amebiasis. As with other infectious stomach problems, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet and before lunch to reduce the possibility that our food becomes contaminated with parasites or other organisms.

5

We recommend not drining or swimming in stagnant water like ponds. Still-standing water is very likely to contain impurities, like bacteria or amoebas. Other recommendations for preventing amebiasis are:

  • Avoid eating in places that appear unhygienic or that do not have an appropriate kitchen.
  • Control the presence of flies because they can carry the parasite and cause infections.
  • If you must drink water which is not bottled, boil it for at least 10 minutes beforehand.

If you believe you have become infected with amebiasis, seek medical attention urgently.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Prevent Amebiasis, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

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How to Prevent Amebiasis