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Traveller exposures to animals: a GeoSentinel analysis
Michael P Muehlenbein1, Kristina M Angelo2, Patricia Schlagenhauf3
1Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, 1214 S 4th St, Waco, TX 76706, USA.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|January 30, 2020
Summary
International travelers face risks from animal encounters, with most exposures occurring in Asia. Pre-travel consultations and vaccinations are crucial for preventing rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Travel Medicine
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Human interaction with diverse animal species poses risks of injury and infection to international travelers.
- Animal bites, scratches, and other exposures can lead to severe health consequences, including death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the diversity and geographical distribution of animal-related exposures among international travelers.
- To identify common species involved in traveler exposures and assess pre-travel healthcare seeking behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of GeoSentinel Surveillance Network data from January 2007 to December 2018.
- Inclusion of non-migration travel records with animal bite or non-bite exposures; exclusion of cases with unknown exposure regions or unrelated diagnoses.
Main Results:
- 6470 animal exposures were recorded, with 71% occurring in Asia.
- Dogs, monkeys, and cats accounted for 76% of exposures, involving a wide range of species across 167 countries.
- Over 62% of travelers with available data did not report pre-travel consultations.
Conclusions:
- Education during pre-travel consultations and behavioral modification are essential to minimize animal exposures.
- Pre-exposure rabies vaccination for high-risk areas and timely post-exposure prophylaxis are recommended.
- Addressing zoonotic risks requires a multi-faceted approach including traveler education and appropriate medical interventions.
