Persons with persistent diarrhea for over one to two weeks may be infected with giardia, amoeba, Cryptosporidium , intestinal worms, or a bacterial infection. Dehydration due to the loss of fluid and electrolytes from diarrhea can occur if these losses are not replaced. Dry mouth and skin Possible fatigue and dizziness when standing. Dehydration is of particular concern for infants and young children with diarrhea as well as with the elderly. Prophylactic antibiotics have been proposed by some to prevent travelers' diarrhea but they themselves are not without side effects and are probably not reasonable for the long term use in those living overseas The best prevention of travelers' diarrhea is to follow the proper food handling and water treatment recommendations discussed on page 17 .
Additional information concerning specific intestinal infections is available from the health unit.
Hepatitis Hepatitis A is a serious viral infection of the liver and is a common infection in areas with inadequate sewage disposal. Children who are infected tend to be eitherasymptomatic or have a milder course of illness than adults. Proper food and water preparation and attention to the hygenic practices of domestic help will decrease the risk of acquiring hepatitis A. Hepatitis B is another serious viral infection of the liver and is primarily transmitted through activities which result in exchange of blood or blood-derived fluid and through sexual contact. Other risk factors for this disease include use of illicit injectable drugs, sex with multiple partners, adoption of a foreign orphan, acupuncture, and tattooing. Hepatitis C, like hepatitis B, can be transmitted by sexual contact with infected partners and other activities that result in the exchange of blood or blood-derived fluid.