If you have traveled to a foreign country, especially one where it is not healthy to drink the water you may have encountered the common traveler’s ailment known by names such as “Montezuma’s revenge” or “Delhi belly”. Nothing can ruin a trip quicker than being confined to the loo. But medical researchers are offering hope according to a

Stomach bugs picked up during foreign travel may be prevented by wearing a patch impregnated by toxins produced by the E. coli bacterium.

US research published in the Lancet medical journal found the patch was 75% effective against diarrhoea attacks caused by E. coli among volunteers.

Patch-wearers who did fall ill recovered far more quickly, it said.

A UK travel medicine specialist stressed only 40% of diarrhoea cases were caused by E. coli.