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TropicalMed
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Travel Health
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Travel Health

A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366). This special issue belongs to the section "Travel Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 March 2024) | Viewed by 17322

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Harunor Rashid

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
2. Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
Interests: travel vaccine; vaccine-preventable infectious diseases; vaccination evaluation; vaccine prioritisation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

International travel has become more accessible in recent decades and is no longer enjoyed by only a privileged few, in part due to lower costs and more efficient transport modes being available. This has resulted in large segments of the global population being able to travel far and wide in search of better economic opportunities, for leisure, to advance knowledge, and for the fulfillment of their spiritual needs. On the other hand, many people are forced to travel because of war or natural disasters. It is estimated that 1.5 billion people took foreign trips every year before the COVID-19 pandemic, and that mass religious gatherings such as Kumbh Mela (India), Arbaeen (Iraq), and Hajj (Saudi Arabia) attracted about 50 million, 25 million, and 3 million visitors, respectively. Regardless of purpose, travel is often associated with detrimental health effects, with communicable, psychological, and environmental hazards being well-known threats of travel. However, increased international trade and travel regulations have created new research opportunities in the area of preventive medicine.

This Special Issue will cover a wide range of common health issues and emerging travel-related diseases, with emphasis on the prevention and control of these problems for travellers. Health issues related to a diverse range of travellers and travel settings will be considered, including: migrants and refugees; access to travel health; vaccine hesitancy; visiting friends and relatives; backpacking travellers; non-governmental organisations; aid workers, missionaries, expatriates and volunteers; long-term travellers; business travellers; medical tourism; VIP travellers; military travellers; cruise travel; mass gatherings; expedition trips; returning travellers; and last-minute travellers. Relevant original research articles (including trials), systematic or integrative reviews, and case series are welcome. Some case reports of rare, emerging or re-emerging diseases (e.g., monkeypox) may also be considered.

Dr. Harunor Rashid
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • travel epidemiology
  • pre-travel advice
  • mass gathering medicine
  • travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR)
  • migrant and refugee health
  • expedition medicine
  • travel vaccines
  • cruise travel
  • returning travellers
  • expatriates and aid workers

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 229 KiB  
Article
Food Safety Practices during Hajj: On-Site Inspections of Food-Serving Establishments
by Ruyuf Alnafisah, Fahad Alnasiri, Saleh Alzaharni, Ibrahim Alshikhi and Amani Alqahtani
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(10), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8100480 - 23 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2245
Abstract
The presence of crowds during Hajj increases the risk of foodborne infection. Yet, research on the practices of food handlers during Hajj is limited. This study aimed to assess compliance with food safety practices and its associated factors during Hajj 2022. An observational [...] Read more.
The presence of crowds during Hajj increases the risk of foodborne infection. Yet, research on the practices of food handlers during Hajj is limited. This study aimed to assess compliance with food safety practices and its associated factors during Hajj 2022. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Mecca and Madinah before and during Hajj 2022 and involved 195 food-serving establishments (FSEs) contracted for Hajj catering. Collected data included visit time, establishment location, licensure, whether food handlers had food safety training (professional training), and whether FSEs were under supervision from a consulting office (professional supervision). The included FSEs were 168/195 (86.2%). Two-thirds of FSEs surveyed (113, 67.3%) were under professional supervision, and 91 (54.2%) hired trained food safety workers. Compliance rates varied between outcomes (72.67 ± 17.21% to 88.3 ± 18.8%). Compared to Mecca, Madinah FSEs were more adherent to cleanliness (80.5 ± 27.9% vs. 91.5 ± 19.9%, respectively, p = 0.006). FSEs with trained workers were more likely to comply with proper food safety practices compared to those with untrained workers: cleanliness (OR: 7.2, 95% CI [2.6–20.23], p < 0.001); workers’ commitment to health requirements (OR: 2.8, 95% CI [1.1–6.9], p = 0.025); handling of refrigerated and frozen food (OR: 5.27, 95% CI [1.83–15.20], p = 0.004); and food storage practices (OR: 12.5, 95% CI [2.0–12.5], p < 0.001). The role of professional training in increasing food safety practices compliance was highlighted. FSEs in Madinah were more compliant with food safety practices than those in Mecca. Therefore, Mecca FSEs may need stringent safety measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Health)
13 pages, 1124 KiB  
Article
Hygiene and Health Coaching for Community Readiness to Perform the Hajj during an Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
by Rr Suzy Indharty, Rustika, Budi Sylvana, Liliek Marhaendo Susilo, Tety Rachmawati, Zolaiha Zuchdi, Imron Cahyono, Mohammad Imran Saleh Hamdani, Asep Kusnali, Dede Anwar Musadad, Muhammad Firdaus, Al Asyary and Ziad A. Memish
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(2), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8020090 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2754
Abstract
In March 2020, WHO declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic, which had a major impact on all mass gatherings (MG), including the Hajj. This has an impact for the government, as the party organizing the pilgrimage can make more mature [...] Read more.
In March 2020, WHO declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic, which had a major impact on all mass gatherings (MG), including the Hajj. This has an impact for the government, as the party organizing the pilgrimage can make more mature preparations for a more optimal implementation of the pilgrimage. This study aimed to evaluate hygiene and health coaching for community readiness to perform the Hajj during an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. We used a mixed qualitative and quantitative method, in which the quantitative component used an analytic cross-sectional design with a questionnaire given to 2425 pilgrims, while the qualitative component was carried out through Focus Group Discussion. During the pandemic, all hygiene and health coaching, including guidance, was carried out in three types of distance learning, called “online”, “offline (face-to-face)”, and “combination”. This study shows that face-to-face health coaching is low (50.5%), while online coaching is high (70.0%). The total fraction of pilgrims who participated in blended coaching sessions was 55.1%, and the highest frequency of coaching was under four times (38.7%). However, in its implementation, there is still no integration between programs. There is quite a lot of health information given to pilgrims, but the material still varies between regions. Information on guidelines for preventing and transmitting COVID-19 for officers and pilgrims has not been fully socialized. There exists an urgent need to establish messages that are clear, meaningful, empathetic, consistent, and in context in order to achieve health improvement of pilgrims. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Health)
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11 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
COVID-19-Related Awareness and Behaviors of Non-Saudi Travelers and Their Satisfaction with Preventive Measures at Saudi Airports
by Aseel Ali AlSaeed, Unaib Rabbani, Abdulrhman Aldukhayel and Sultan Alzuhairy
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(12), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7120435 - 13 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1433
Abstract
Airports could serve as hotspots for the spread of the COVID-19 infection. We aimed to assess the awareness, attitude, and behaviors of non-Saudi travelers about COVID-19 and their satisfaction with preventive measures at Saudi airports. A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-Saudi travelers [...] Read more.
Airports could serve as hotspots for the spread of the COVID-19 infection. We aimed to assess the awareness, attitude, and behaviors of non-Saudi travelers about COVID-19 and their satisfaction with preventive measures at Saudi airports. A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-Saudi travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia at two international airports. Data were collected using a questionnaire in Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu languages. Awareness, attitude, behavior scores, and satisfaction levels were calculated. Linear regression analyses were done to assess the predictors of awareness, attitude, and behaviors. A total of 633 participants were included in the study. The mean awareness, attitude, and behavior scores were 16.3/22, 18.3/24, and 3.2/5, respectively. Nationality, education, and income were significant predictors of awareness. Nationality was the only significant predictor of attitude, while gender and nationality were predictors of behaviors. Overall satisfaction with preventive measures was: transportation (94%), lounges and corridors (96%), counters (98%), and airport staff (97%). There was overall good awareness and attitude among travelers. Behavior scores were relatively low, which needs to change as air travel poses a threat to the spread of infectious diseases. Airport authorities need to manage passengers properly to ensure adequate distancing to prevent the potential transmission of infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Health)
24 pages, 1432 KiB  
Article
Management and Prevention of Traveler’s Diarrhea: A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Italian Occupational Physicians (2019 and 2022)
by Matteo Riccò, Alessandro Zaniboni, Elia Satta, Antonio Baldassarre, Milena Pia Cerviere, Federico Marchesi and Simona Peruzzi
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(11), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7110370 - 11 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2449
Abstract
Even though Italian Occupational Physicians (OP) are increasingly involved in the managing of overseas workers, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in travel medicine are mostly undefined. We, therefore, permed a KAP study specifically targeting the management of travelers’ diarrhea (TD) by OP. [...] Read more.
Even though Italian Occupational Physicians (OP) are increasingly involved in the managing of overseas workers, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in travel medicine are mostly undefined. We, therefore, permed a KAP study specifically targeting the management of travelers’ diarrhea (TD) by OP. A total of 371 professionals (43.4% males; mean age 40.8 ± 10.9 years) completed in 2 rounds (2019 and 2022) a specifically designed web questionnaire that inquired participating OP on their knowledge status (KS), risk perception, and management of TD through pre- and post-travel advice and interventions. Multivariable odds ratios (aOR) for predictors of a better knowledge status were calculated through regression analysis. Eventually, the majority of participants (53.4%) had participated in the management of cases of TD in the previous months, but only 26.4% were reportedly involved in pre-travel consultations. The overall knowledge status was unsatisfying (potential range: 0–100%, actual average of the sample 59.6% ± 14.6), with substantial uncertainties in the management of antimicrobial treatment. Interestingly, only a small subset of participants had previously prescribed antimicrobial prophylaxis or treatment (3.5% and 1.9%, respectively). Main effectors of a better knowledge status were: having a background qualification in Hygiene and Public Health (aOR 14.769, 95%CI 5.582 to 39.073), having previously managed any case of (aOR 3.107, 95%CI 1.484 to 6.506), and having higher concern on TD, reported by acknowledging high frequency (aOR 8.579, 95%CI 3.383 to 21.756) and severity (aOR 3.386; 95%CI 1.741 to 6.585) of this disorder. As the adherence of participating OP to official recommendations for TD management was unsatisfying, continuous Education on Travel Medicine should be improved by sharing up-to-date official recommendations on appropriate treatment options for TD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Health)
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9 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
Low Prevalence of Syndromic Respiratory Tract Infections among Returning Hajj Pilgrims Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Post-Hajj Survey
by Hashim A. Mahdi, Fadi S. Qashqari, Sumyya H. Hariri, Shahad Bamerdah, Shahad A. Altayyar, Hazim M. Almalki, Fayez A. Alwadani, Renan A. Alabbasi, Mohammed H. Alqahtani, Mohammad Alfelali, Ramon Z. Shaban, Robert Booy and Harunor Rashid
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(8), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7080182 - 13 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2465
Abstract
This study estimates the point prevalence of symptomatic respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among returned Hajj pilgrims and their contacts in 2021. Using the computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) technique, domestic pilgrims were invited to participate in this cross-sectional survey two weeks after their home [...] Read more.
This study estimates the point prevalence of symptomatic respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among returned Hajj pilgrims and their contacts in 2021. Using the computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) technique, domestic pilgrims were invited to participate in this cross-sectional survey two weeks after their home return from Hajj. Of 600 pilgrims approached, 79.3% agreed to participate and completed the survey. Syndromic definitions were used to clinically diagnose possible influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and COVID-19. Median with range was applied to summarise the continuous data, and frequencies and proportions were used to present the categorical variables. Simple logistic regression was carried out to assess the correlations of potential factors with the prevalence of RTIs. The majority of pilgrims (88.7%) reported receiving at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before Hajj. Eleven (2.3%) pilgrims reported respiratory symptoms with the estimated prevalence of possible ILI being 0.2%, and of possible COVID-19 being 0.4%. Among those who were symptomatic, five (45.5%) reported that one or more of their close contacts had developed similar RTI symptoms after the pilgrims’ home return. The prevalence of RTIs among pilgrims who returned home after attending the Hajj 2021 was lower compared with those reported in the pre-pandemic studies; however, the risk of spread of infection among contacts following Hajj is still a concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Health)

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8 pages, 1106 KiB  
Case Report
Cordylobia anthropophaga Myiasis Mimicking Hyperproliferative Skin Disorder in Traveler Returning from Sub-Saharan Africa
by Lidija Popović Dragonjić, Andrija Jović, Irena Janković, Jelena Miladinović, Aleksandar Ranković, Maja Cvetanović, Relja Beck, Dinko Novosel, Thomas Pape and Pavle Banović
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(11), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8110505 - 20 Nov 2023
Viewed by 2310
Abstract
Myiasis is one of the most common skin diseases found in travelers returning from tropical and subtropical regions, where humans living in or visiting the African continent are most commonly infested by C. anthropophaga during the rainy season in regions with a warm [...] Read more.
Myiasis is one of the most common skin diseases found in travelers returning from tropical and subtropical regions, where humans living in or visiting the African continent are most commonly infested by C. anthropophaga during the rainy season in regions with a warm climate. Here, we present a case of furuncular myiasis caused by C. anthropophaga in a Serbian patient returning from temporary work in Kenya, where the initial histology of skin lesion mimicked hyperproliferative skin disorder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Health)
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7 pages, 2045 KiB  
Case Report
Fatal Case of Imported Tick-Borne Encephalitis in South Serbia
by Lidija Popović Dragonjić, Miodrag Vrbić, Aleksandar Tasić, Verica Simin, Ivana Bogdan, Dragana Mijatović, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz and Pavle Banović
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(12), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7120434 - 13 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2520
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is vaccine-preventable neglected zoonotic neuroinvasive disease, caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Many of the Central and Eastern European countries are affected by TBE, which is often poorly perceived by tourists visiting endemic territories. Here we are reporting a fatal [...] Read more.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is vaccine-preventable neglected zoonotic neuroinvasive disease, caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Many of the Central and Eastern European countries are affected by TBE, which is often poorly perceived by tourists visiting endemic territories. Here we are reporting a fatal case of imported TBE in Serbian resident who was exposed to a tick bite during a visit to Switzerland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Health)
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