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Infectious diseases and the returning traveller--experience from a regional infectious diseases unit over 20 years
1North Trent Regional Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK. mike.mckendrick@sth.nhs.uk
Abstract:
The report from the Chief Medical Officer - Getting Ahead of the Curve (a strategy for combating infectious diseases) included the statement 'Infectious diseases recognize no international boundaries, so that a newly emergent disease in another part of the world must be assessed for a potential threat to this country'. About 50 million journeys abroad are made from the UK every year. Inevitably this brings many into contact with illness they would not otherwise impact. Over the last 20 years there has been a corresponding increase in the number of admissions to the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit in Sheffield that has risen from about 50 in 1985 to over 200 in 2000. Admissions reach their peak in the months of June, July, August and September. This review provides an overview of the infections seen in returning travellers in Sheffield over a 20-year period, including information on the countries where infection has been acquired and comments upon the measures which may be taken to minimize the risk of infection while travelling.
Insights
International travel increases exposure to infectious diseases. This review examines 20 years of infectious disease admissions in Sheffield, highlighting common travel-related infections and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Infectious diseases transcend international borders, necessitating global health surveillance.
- Approximately 50 million UK residents travel internationally annually, increasing disease exposure.
- A significant rise in infectious disease admissions has been observed in Sheffield over two decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review infectious diseases in travellers returning to Sheffield over a 20-year period.
- To identify geographical origins of travel-related infections.
- To provide insights into preventative measures for travellers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient admissions to the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit in Sheffield.
- Data collection spanning 20 years (1985-2005).
- Inclusion of information on countries of infection acquisition.
Main Results:
- Admissions to the Sheffield Regional Infectious Diseases Unit increased from 50 (1985) to over 200 (2000).
- Peak admission months were June, July, August, and September.
- The review details infections acquired in various countries by returning travellers.
Conclusions:
- International travel is a significant factor in the introduction of infectious diseases.
- Understanding travel-related infections is crucial for public health.
- Implementing preventative measures can reduce the risk of travel-associated illnesses.
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