10% Of Spaniards travelling abroad again with health problems.

-infections are the leading cause of morbidity on return from a trip to the tropics and a 2-3% of mortality. Many of these are preventable

– need to identify patients with a suspected imported infection and be referred to the units specialized in tropical diseases

Madrid, June 2012.- the Spanish society of infectious diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), advised in this summer to take preventive measures if it is to make a trip abroadespecially if it is a tropical country. Studies conducted in different units of tropical medicine and Traveler’s clinics, show that infections are the leading cause of morbidity on return from a trip to the tropics, however many of these are preventable.

It is estimated that 10% of travellers returns with a health problem. If tourists travel to a tropical country, this percentage reaches increase up to 50%, and 8% will be sick enough to go to the doctor during his road1. Over a million Spaniards travel to any country in the tropics throughout the year, being the summer period in which displacement are made to destinations such: 506,000 to Central-Caribe America and South, 280,000 to Africa and to Asia and pacifico1 165,000.

According to Dr. José Antonio Pérez Molina, Member of the Board of Directors of SEIMC and infectologist unit of tropical medicine of the service of infectious diseases at the Hospital Ramón y Cajal Madrid, before a trip to tropical countries it is necessary to attend specialized centres to report specific recommendations depending on the country that you visit. Also it is advisable to seek medical advice on the return if there has been a health problem during the trip, or it occurs in the month following the return of the trip ”.

The increase in the number of travelers, even greater risk as elderly, chronically ill or immunosuppressed, together with immigrants, has made that tropical infections are more frequent as a reason for consultation in primary care and in emergencies. It is necessary, says Pérez Molina, that identify patients with a suspected imported infection and be referred to the units specialized in tropical diseases ”.

The most common tropical diseases

Traveler’s diarrhea is more common in travelers health disorder. About 40-60% of travellers experience an episode of diarrhea during the road1. Personal hygiene and eating behavior, are two key factors to try to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. The diarrhea is usually a symptom of an infection of the digestive tract, which may be caused by various agencies bacterial, viral and parasitic. The infection is transmitted by contaminated food or water, or by a person to another as a result of poor hygiene. Around the world, produced some two billion cases of diarrhea each year.

Malaria or malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, is the most important imported pathology by its potential severity if not diagnosed and is the most frequent cause of avoidable death in travellers. 40% Of the world’s population live in areas at risk of malaria (Central America and of the South, Haiti, Africa, oscensis Asia, Southeast Asia and South Pacific) and the annual prevalence is about 500 million affected. The incubation period is from 12 to 30 days. The most common symptoms are headache, severe fatigue, abdominal discomfort, muscle aches, fever, and chills.

Other diseases are also transmitted by mosquito bites are dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. Dengue and last there are specific measures for the majority of infections transmitted by mosquitoes, as in the case The stimulus that attracts the mosquito is the olfactory but also the visual and thermal. The temperature and body moisture, as well as the secretion of carbon monoxide and lactic acid irresistibly attracts mosquitoes as well as soaps, perfumes and creams so it is advisable to avoid this kind of very scented products. They should be repellent of mosquitoes and colored clothing clear covering to the wrists and ankles.

Prevention measures we must take

-perform prophylaxis of malaria or malaria: taking preventive drugs when they are indicated.

-get vaccinations that are required depending on the country of destination and the type of trip that occurs.

-use repellents, mosquito nets and clothing to avoid bites from mosquitoes.

-be careful when eating food since they must always be well cooked and washed your hands before handling any food.

-drink only beverages bottled.

-avoid contact with water from rivers and lakes.

-have a good health insurance that covers any emergency.

The SEIMC

The Spanish society of infectious diseases and Clinical Microbiology ( SEIMC ), brings together professionals working in the field of Infectious Pathology, etiologic, both from a clinical point of view and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious processes. Its fundamental purpose is to promote, encourage and disseminate the study and research of infectious diseases and clinical microbiology, referred to in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control, as well as in their interrelations.