In a study of waterborne disease outbreaks in the US, researchers found that more than two thirds of outbreaks between 1948 and 1994 were preceded by heavy rainfall -- which can overload municipal water systems and help contaminants spread to the drinking water supply.
More than half of these outbreaks occurred shortly after an onslaught of extreme precipitation.
The investigators note that it is possible for increases in rainfall and runoff to usher infectious agents from animal feces into the water supply.
American Journal of Public Health August 2001;91:1194-1199, 1200-1208
Here is a simple practical solution for keeping yourself healthy. When the area you are living in has an exceptionally high level of rainfall it would be wise to consider boiling your water to kill any bacteria that make their way into the water.
A better alternative would be to use a high quality filter, preferably reverse osmosis, which would also eliminate the problem. Bottled spring water, not distilled water, is another option.
If you happen to be traveling in a foreign country, it is always wise to bring along a high quality probiotic (good bacteria) and take it a few times a day to prevent any of these infections.
If you do develop an infection overseas or even from eating at your local restaurant, usually taking the probiotic every 30-60 minutes resolves the problem in a few hours.
Even though probiotics should ideally be refrigerated they can be kept at room temperature or greater for a few weeks with minimal loss of potency so one need not worry about keeping them refrigerated while on vacation. However, if one has access to a refrigerator one should still use it.
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