A comparison of travel related ID admissions in Glasgow: (1985; 1998/99).
A comparative study was made of patients admitted over 12 months to the principal infectious diseases unit for Glasgow in 1985 and in 1998/99. During this interval UK travel statistics show a 135% growth in visits abroad and a 5% rise to 17% in destinations with a risk of malaria. Travel associated admissions rose by 96% to a total of 108. Patients of Asian/Oriental ethnicity declined from 55% to 18%, whilst Caucasians increased from 38% to 81%. Travellers aged 20-39 years formed the modal age groups (51% and 50%). Gastro-intestinal problems accounted for the largest single diagnostic category in both study periods, 38% and 40% respectively. In-patients diagnosed with malaria fell by 20%; these figures are cause for encouragement to those involved in the teaching and dissemination of advice on malaria prophylaxis. The findings re-enforce the need for the continuation and expansion of travel health education for both healthcare professionals and the public.
Cossar
J H
JH
Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, Glasgow. jon.cossar@scieh.csa.scot.nhs.uk
Wilson
E
E
Kennedy
D H
DH
Walker
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D014195:Travel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*