Oral Rehydration Mix Recipe

Last Revised: 10/6/01

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Young children can become rapidly dehydrated due to vomiting and/or diarrhea. If this happens when you are traveling in China, this can cause significant problems. Here is the recipe for a mixture that can be made from ingredients available in any hotel that will help prevent severe dehydration. Note that if the vomiting and/or diarrhea persist more than 24 hours, seek the best medical treatment available.

To Make 1 quart or 1 liter:

In a clean container mix the following three ingredients:

One level teaspoon of salt

Eight level teaspoons of sugar

One quart of boiled and then cooled water. Note: 5 full teacups = 1 quart/liter of water

Preparation Method:

Add the sugar and salt to the water. Mix until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

How to Administer the Mix:

Wash your hands and the baby's hands with soap and water before feeding solution.
Give the sick child as much of the solution as it needs, in small amounts frequently.
Give child alternately other fluids - such as juices.
Continue to give solids if child is four months or older.
If the child still needs the mixture after 24 hours, make a fresh solution.
The mixture does not stop diarrhoea. It prevents the body from drying up. The diarrhoea will stop by itself.
If child vomits, wait ten minutes and give it the mixture again. Usually vomiting will stop.
If diarrhoea increases and /or vomiting persists, take child over to a health clinic.

Additional information at: http://www.rehydrate.org/solutions/index.html