Related Experiment Videos
[Communicable disease control in connection with international air traffic to Norway]
P Aavitsland1, H Blystad, R Mehl
1Avdeling for bakteriologi, Statens institutt for folkehelse, Oslo.
Abstract:
International air traffic has increased the risk of importation of infectious diseases to Norway. We have used notification data and a theoretical framework to assess the risk of importation and subsequent disemination of serious infectious diseases in Norway. Every year, a few cases of these diseases are imported to Norway, especially malaria, shigellosis and typhoid fever. A few secondary cases of enteric diseases may occur, but epidemics are unlikely. Counselling and immunisation of Norwegians going abroad is the first step in prevention. Secondly, health services all over the country should be able to diagnose imported diseases early and institute infection control measures. However, there is no need for concentrating resources for disease control at international airports in Norway.
Insights
International travel poses a risk for importing infectious diseases to Norway. While some cases occur annually, widespread epidemics are unlikely, and airport-based controls are unnecessary.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Transmission
Context:
- Increased international air travel heightens the risk of infectious disease importation to Norway.
- Assessing the risk of importing and disseminating serious infectious diseases is crucial for national health security.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the risk of infectious disease importation and spread in Norway using notification data and a theoretical framework.
- To inform public health strategies for managing imported infectious diseases.
Summary:
- Annually, Norway imports a small number of infectious diseases, notably malaria, shigellosis, and typhoid fever.
- While secondary cases of enteric diseases can occur, large-scale epidemics are improbable.
- Effective prevention includes pre-travel counseling and immunizations, alongside robust national diagnostic and infection control capabilities.
Impact:
- Highlights the low risk of major outbreaks from imported diseases in Norway.
- Recommends strengthening general health services for early diagnosis and control rather than focusing resources at international airports.
- Emphasizes the importance of traveler health education and national healthcare preparedness.