Amebic dysentery is one of the most wide-spread infections in the tropics. The reason for this is that people generally do not know or do not follow proper methods of personal hygiene. If latrines are not used the soil around the homes and villages is contaminated and the contamination is carried into near-by wells. It is possible in some cases for persons to be infected with amebic without exhibiting any symptoms of the disease. Such people are carriers. They are a public health hazard when they are employed as cooks in homes and restaurants.

People purchase food which has been handled by contaminated hands and carelessly eat it without even washing it. Likewise many people careless1y drink water from a common drinking cup, or coffee and tea from a street vendor who merely rinses out the cup after it is used. The same precautions laid down for the prevention of typhoid fever should be followed for the prevention of amebic dysentery.

Symptoms: In the tropics the amebic dysentery patient usually does not complain of diarrhea but complains of abdominal discomfort, especially after meals. Upon examination the doctor notices that the patient’s abdomen is tender along the course of the colon, especially along the sigmoid or lower right side.

Complications: The ameba can go to almost any organ of the body, but it seldom goes anywhere else except to the liver. This is a serious complication and must be handled promptly by a skilled surgeon. Be sure to call him if there is pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen.

Treatment: There are many drugs available for the treatment of amebic dysentery. These must be given under the supervision of a physician.