Doctors are warning that gastrointestinal illness can derail holidays, urging travellers to pack certain essentials to reduce their risk while away from home. The advice comes as US health experts flag a rise in cases linked to bacteria, viruses and parasites, including a notable outbreak of the parasite cyclosporiasis, underscoring why simple precautions before and during a trip can prevent a getaway being lost to illness.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gastrointestinal illnesses commonly cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps, and can be picked up through contaminated food or water. Former CDC director Dr Robert Redfield highlighted that the cyclosporiasis parasite is resistant to normal washing and chlorine, spreading via faecally contaminated water or vegetables, but noted that cooking produce to 158°F (around 70°C) effectively destroys it. Health experts recommend travellers carry protective items and take food and water precautions to help safeguard their trips.