With globalization, there has been a huge increase in the number of people working abroad and traveling frequently. One of the main concerns people express before accepting an overseas assignment is safety for themselves and their families. Security and crime are obvious issues, but health affects everyday life. Everyday, expats struggle to find ways to eat, drink and live while keeping themselves disease-free. This may be due not only to poor hygiene, but also to change in diet and stress.
Food poisoning is another issue, especially with fish and meat products.
One traveler told me he has gotten food poisoning a few times and was fairly certain tainted or undercooked meat was the culprit. Some people take vitamins, others frequently apply waterless antibacterial soap gel and others eat only in restaurants that cater to an international clientele. Of course, it is common wisdom not to eat food sold on buses or on the street from local vendors. Travelers are also often advised to drink and brush their teeth only with bottled water and to avoid salads and unpeeled fruits. If you cannot get bottled water, you can purify your own with a drop or two of chlorine bleach per liter of water and waiting 20 minutes.