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[Imported health problems]
1Senter for internasjonal helse Universitetet i Bergen.
Abstract:
International mass travel poses a challenge to our knowledge about health problems outside the Western World. Although infections dominate among imported diseases, the risk of contracting such illness is often exaggerated. Hence, medical examination of subjectively healthy persons after travelling abroad is rarely warranted, but should be offered adopted children and refugees from developing countries. Among the imported diseases, malaria, typhoid and tuberculosis should always be considered in cases of fever. Other commonly imported diseases include gastroenteritis, hepatitis, infections of skin and soft tissues, and sexually transmitted infections. Reference is made to some courses offering further education in the field of imported health problems.
Insights
International travel can introduce health risks, but the danger of imported infections is often overstated. Medical checks are rarely needed for healthy travelers, but are recommended for adopted children and refugees.
Area of Science:
- Global health
- Infectious diseases
- Travel medicine
Context:
- International travel is increasing, presenting challenges in understanding non-Western health issues.
- Imported infections are a concern, but their associated risks are frequently overestimated.
- Medical evaluations for returning travelers are generally not indicated unless specific risk factors are present.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of health risks associated with international travel.
- To differentiate between the actual and perceived risks of imported diseases.
- To guide medical professionals on when to consider medical examinations for travelers.
Summary:
- Infections are the most common imported diseases, yet the risk is often exaggerated.
- Routine medical examinations for asymptomatic travelers are typically unnecessary.
- Specific populations, such as adopted children and refugees from developing countries, warrant medical assessment.
- Fever in travelers returning from abroad should prompt consideration of malaria, typhoid, and tuberculosis.
- Other common imported illnesses include gastroenteritis, hepatitis, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections.
Impact:
- Informs clinicians about the realistic risks of travel-related illnesses.
- Helps prevent unnecessary medical interventions for healthy travelers.
- Highlights the importance of targeted screening for high-risk groups.
- Contributes to better management of imported diseases in non-endemic settings.
- Guides educational initiatives in travel medicine and infectious diseases.
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