Food poisoning or traveler's diarrhea in Cartagena
New food, the heat, ceviche on the beach. It happens to a lot of travelers. Most cases settle with rest and fluids, but if you can't keep anything down or you're getting weaker, a doctor can see you at your hotel instead of you dragging yourself to a clinic.
What you can do right now
- Sip small amounts of oral rehydration solution (suero oral, sold in any pharmacy) or water, often.
- Rest, stay out of the sun and the heat.
- Eat light when you feel like it: rice, crackers, banana.
- Don't take anti-diarrhea medicine if you have fever or blood in the stool without talking to a doctor first.
When to call us
- You can't keep fluids down for several hours
- Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than a day, or getting worse
- Fever, strong cramps, or you feel weak or dizzy
- You're older, pregnant, traveling with a child who is sick, or have a chronic illness
Go to an emergency room or call 123 if
- There's a lot of blood in the stool or vomit
- You're confused, fainting, or haven't urinated in 8 hours or more
- Severe, constant belly pain
- A baby or small child is very drowsy or not drinking
We'd rather tell you to go to the hospital than have you wait at the hotel.
How it works
- Message us on WhatsApp or book online and tell us what's going on.
- We confirm the time and place; in most of Cartagena the doctor arrives in under 1 hour.
- You're seen right there, in English. Pay online by card or in person at the end. You see the price before booking.
Where we see you
Hotels, Airbnbs, aparthotels and homes in:
- Centro Histórico
- Bocagrande
- Getsemaní
- Castillogrande
- Manga
- Crespo
- La Boquilla
- Serena del Mar
- Laguna Club
Frequently asked questions
Can the doctor give me IV fluids at the hotel?
If the doctor examines you and decides you need IV fluids or medication, it can be given at your hotel by our team. Supplies and medication are paid separately; you see the price before booking.
How fast can a doctor come?
In most of Cartagena, in under 1 hour after we confirm on WhatsApp.
Do I need tests?
Usually not. If the doctor thinks you do, they'll tell you which ones and where to get them.
Do you speak English?
Yes, we have English-speaking doctors for international patients.