Montezuma's Revenge

What is "Montezuma's Revenge"?

It is a term for diarrhea contracted in Latin American countries by non-locals.

Where does it come from?
Montezuma II was Emperor of Mexico from 1502 to 1520. He was in power when the Spanish were beginning their conquest of the Aztec Empire. Diarrhea is supposed to be the revenge of the local gods that were worshipped prior to Latin American countries becoming taken over by Christianity.

What is actually happening?
The body is responding to bacteria encountered in water sources and in produce. The most important bacterium is enterotoxigenic E. coli which is estimated to account for up to 70% of all cases. Symptoms include symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, low fever, urgency, and malaise,and appetite is almost non-existent. It usually goes away in 3-5 days.

When and where does it happen?
It usually happens a week after arriving to a new country. It does not happen to locals usually because their body are used to the bacteria. It happens to 20–50% of international travelers each year. It mainly happens in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Different Names
"Aztec 2 Step" - Mexico
"Pharaoh's Revenge," "Mummy's Tummy," or "Cairo two-step"-Egypt
"Bombay belly" or "Delhi belly" - India
'Holiday tummy"- United Kingdom
"Beaver Fever"-Canada

Safety tips
Well I learned this the hard way but it is best to not buy food from street vendors when it is an especially hot day. If you do I suggest eating something that you can see them cook it to get rid of bacteria.
-bottled water and avoid ice cubes(although I have never had a problem with ice cubes in the past)
-avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them or wash them


I am not suggesting do not eat street food. Some of the best food I have had in Mexico has been from street vendors. You just have to be choosy and pick the ones where a lot of people are eating from. Then you know it is good! Unfortunately this happened to be today from most likely eating a quesadilla with mushrooms. I have been to Mexico around ten times and this has never happened to me this bad. My insides feel like they are coming out. I know that my body just has to get used to food again. And I will def be more careful from now on.