EPIDEMIOLOGY, PREVENTIVE SERVICES, AND ILLNESSES OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

Medical preparation of travelers to overseas locations is an important part of military medical care. We reviewed pre-travel records of pati ents attending the travel clinic at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) and used a post-travel questionnaire to determine the most freq uent medical problems associated with international travel. Among 1,41 6 individuals who received pre-travel care at NNMC, there were 760 (54 %) males and 656 (46%) females, the median patient age was 48 years, t he most common reason for travel was pleasure, and the median duration of travel was 21 days. The most common destinations were Asia (27%), Africa (15%), Europe (13%), Central America/Caribbean (12%), and South America (11%), The median number of immunizations prescribed was thre e. Malaria chemoprophylaxis was prescribed to 45%, The average cost of vaccines and medications to medically prepare a traveler was $67. Amo ng 271 (82%) who returned the post-travel questionnaire, the most comm on illnesses reported were diarrhea (23%) and upper respiratory infect ions (19%); medical treatment was sought by 9%. Properly informed, mil itary physicians can provide a valuable service at a reasonable cost t o reduce the risk of travel-acquired medical problems and illnesses.