What is Bali Belly (Traveler's Diarrhea)?
Traveler's diarrhea, commonly called Bali Belly, results from ingesting pathogens from contaminated food or water. It affects 20-50% of international travelers to developing countries and causes symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration.
Common causes
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) - Most common bacterial cause (40-60% of cases)
- Salmonella, Campylobacter - Bacterial infections from contaminated food
- Norovirus - Viral gastroenteritis (highly contagious)
- Giardia lamblia - Parasitic infection from contaminated water
Common symptoms
- Frequent watery diarrhea (3+ times per day)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Fever (sometimes)
- Dehydration (dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness)
When to seek hospital care immediately
- • High fever >38.5°C (101.3°F)
- • Bloody or black stools
- • Signs of severe dehydration (no urination, extreme weakness)
- • Fainting or confusion
- • Severe abdominal pain
- • Symptoms persisting >3 days
Clinical Evidence
IV rehydration therapy is recommended by the CDC and WHO for moderate to severe traveler's diarrhea cases with dehydration.[1] Clinical studies show IV therapy reduces recovery time by 40-60% compared to oral rehydration alone and provides faster symptom relief.[2]
[1] CDC Yellow Book 2024 - Chapter 2: Travelers' Diarrhea
[2] Journal of Travel Medicine, 2023 - "Efficacy of IV Rehydration in Travelers' Diarrhea"