Overview

• Untreated natural sources such as lakes, rivers, or springs can harbor bacteria or parasites that cause gastrointestinal illness.
• Drinking-water standards differ by country, so guidance urges avoiding uncertain tap water along with ice, street juices, and cocktails mixed with it.
• Recent accounts include illness after sipping from Slovenia’s Lake Bled and after a Mexico street juice likely made with tap-water ice.
• Alcohol heightens dehydration and can worsen symptoms, with Medjet advising moderation due to risks including pancreatitis and impaired judgment.
• Recommended precautions include bottled drinks and oral rehydration, careful use of antidiarrheals like loperamide, urgent care for severe symptoms, and awareness of lime-related ‘margarita burn’ from sun exposure.