Traveler’s Diarrhea Cases Could Increase 5% Annually

With the increased international travel expected this year, an unwelcomed health issue may interrupt these trips over the next decade. Travelers' diarrhea (TD) is the most predictable travel-related illness.

The U.S. CDC says TB attack rates range from 30%-70% of travelers during two weeks, depending on the destination and season of travel.

According to a new report, the traveler’s diarrhea market may grow by 5.26% between 2025 and 2035. The major markets for traveler’s diarrhea include the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Japan.

Published on February 13, 2025, IMARC Group expects innovations in traveler’s diarrhea treatment to sustain the market's growth. Developing new treatments and pharmacologic agents to treat the illness reduces recovery time and concerns about antibiotic resistance.

These innovations include, but are not limited to, the emerging popularity of oral hydration formulas, which travelers can embrace. These formulas can optimize fluid absorption in the intestines, thereby quickly replenishing electrolytes in the body.

While clinically different from TD, Norovirus is a commonly reported cause of diarrhea among travelers in confined spaces, such as on cruise ships. The risk for infection is present anywhere food is prepared unsanitaryly and can be contaminated or where drinking water is inadequately treated. Contaminated ice has also been implicated in outbreaks.

Recently, a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise ship affected 7.4% of its passengers.

With the rapid expansion of the cruise industry, future Norovirus outbreaks can be expected.

For example, the Port of Galveston recorded about 3.4 million passenger movements on over 380 voyages last year. Once the island's fourth cruise terminal opens, that number could surpass 400.

While TD products are available at travel clinics and pharmacies in 2025, no Norovirus vaccines are approved.