Montezuma’s Revenge is a term for diarrhea contracted in Latin America from untreated water or produce. It is not caused by angry gods. Bismuth sulfate can help, but antibiotics may be needed for bacterial or parasitic infections. Drinking bottled water and avoiding high-sugar drinks can prevent diarrhea. Severe cases require hospitalization.
Montezuma’s Revenge is a colloquialism for diarrhea contracted in Mexico and other Latin American countries from non-locals. The term dates back to the conquest of local populations by European countries. Diarrhea and discomfort are thought to be revenge of local gods who were worshiped before Latin American countries were Christianized.
However, diarrhea is not an infliction from an angry god. but the body’s response to bacterial agents or parasites found in water sources and products. Gastrointestinal diseases can occur not only in Latin American countries but also in other parts of the developing world where the water cannot be treated to eliminate amoebae or bacteria that can make people sick. Improper washing of fruits and vegetables can also cause digestive problems.
In many cases, Montezuma’s revenge is a transient disease and the best treatment tends to be taking bismuth sulfate. Children suffering from diarrhea and fever should not be given this medicine as it contains salicylic acids, which could cause the child to develop Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition. If bismuth sulphate does not relieve the condition and if a fever develops, this could be an indication of a parasitic or bacterial infection which is not easily destroyed by the body’s natural defences. In these cases, sufferers may also require antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs to treat the condition.
Diarrhea can often be avoided by not consuming untreated water or producing in a region where it occurs. It is recommended that you drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth, to reduce exposure. Mexico, in particular, is known for enticing mixed drinks like margaritas, but since ice can also be made from tap water, such drinks should be avoided.
Because Mexico and parts of Latin America can be extremely hot, it’s important for visitors to keep their fluid intake up, especially if they have a case of Montezuma’s revenge. Medical experts recommend avoiding beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. Bottled local sodas that don’t contain caffeine are considered safe for consumption and can make drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce (236.5 mL) glasses a day a little less of a chore. However, drinking lots of high-sugar drinks can fuel diarrhea, so if the condition gets worse, switching to bottled water is recommended.
Diarrhea that continues when a traveler has returned home is almost always due to a bacterial or parasitic infection. If the illness continues in this way, or is accompanied by high fever and/or vomiting, hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and intravenous fluids are needed to prevent severe dehydration.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
