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[Traveller counseling by embassies and consulates]
F Montañés Alcántara1, T Mejías García, J Gascón Brustenga
1Centro de Salud Arrabal, Zaragoza.
Background:
Before travelling to developing countries is necessary to seek accurate health advice. This paper evaluate the quality of travel information given out in Spain by other embassies and consulates of different countries.
Methods:
The information was regarded through a telephone survey calling to 32 embassies and consulates of countries in Asia, Africa and South and Central America posing as potential travellers seeking advice.
Results:
Of the 15 countries where yellow fever is endemic only 53% advised the appropriate immunization. Malaria prophylaxis was recommended in over 41% of the countries in areas of risk for malaria, denning the existence of malaria the 25%. Other immunizations such as hepatitis, tetanus, typhus was recommended by the 12.5% and over 25% mentioned additional precautions (water purification, insect repellents, food ...). 53% referred us to other sources of information in public health departments and travel clinics.
Conclusions:
Diplomatic representations are still not an ideal source of pretravel advice. An accurate advice should be sought from health units of international vaccines and Tropical Medicine.