Egypt - Sharm el Sheikh - foreigners falling ill

RPS has just learned that a number of foreigners fell ill yesterday in Sharm el Sheikh.

According to recent media reports, at least 100 foreign nationals became ill while at a resort located in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

It is reported that the Coral Sea Waterworld is the affected resort.

There are indications that the tourists contracted Shigella, which is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps; it is transmitted via the faecal-oral route. The common cause of the spread of the infection is poor hygiene. 

The incident highlights the importance of taking precautions in terms of food and water safety while travelling in a foreign country.

RPS advises all travellers to Egypt to take sensible precautions with regard to the consumption of water and food. Short-term visitors should consider drinking bottled water for the duration of their stay.

Fruit and vegetables should only be consumed if they have been peeled or cooked. Undercooked meat and fish should not be consumed. It is prudent to avoid food from street vendors, as this carries a higher risk of causing infection.

Finally, try to ensure that all eating utensils used are clean. Anyone falling ill or who requires further information are advised to contact a medical practitioner.

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