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Steffen R, Chen LH, Leggat PA. Travel vaccines-priorities determined by incidence and impact. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad085. [PMID: 37341307 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious disease epidemiology is continuously shifting. While travel has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and travel-related epidemiological research experienced a pause, further shifts in vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) relevant for travellers have occurred. METHODS We conducted a literature search on the epidemiology of travel-related VPD and synthesized data for each disease with a focus on symptomatic cases and on the impact of the respective infection among travellers, considering the hospitalization rate, disease sequela and case fatality rate. We present new data and revised best estimates on the burden of VPD relevant for decisions on priorities in travel vaccines. RESULTS COVID-19 has emerged to be a top travel-related risk and influenza remains high in the ranking with an estimated incidence at 1% per month of travel. Dengue is another commonly encountered infection among international travellers with estimated monthly incidence of 0.5-0.8% among non-immune exposed travellers; the hospitalized proportion was 10 and 22%, respectively, according to two recent publications. With recent yellow fever outbreaks particularly in Brazil, its estimated monthly incidence has risen to >0.1%. Meanwhile, improvements in hygiene and sanitation have led to some decrease in foodborne illnesses; however, hepatitis A monthly incidence remains substantial in most developing regions (0.001-0.01%) and typhoid remains particularly high in South Asia (>0.01%). Mpox, a newly emerged disease that demonstrated worldwide spread through mass gathering and travel, cannot be quantified regarding its travel-related risk. CONCLUSION The data summarized may provide a tool for travel health professionals to prioritize preventive strategies for their clients against VPD. Updated assessments on incidence and impact are ever more important since new vaccines with travel indications (e.g. dengue) have been licensed or are undergoing regulatory review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Steffen
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Department of Public and Global Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Travelers' Health, University of Zurich, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lin H Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter A Leggat
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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2
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Ward JW, Wanlapakorn N, Poovorawan Y, Shouval D. Hepatitis B Vaccines. PLOTKIN'S VACCINES 2023:389-432.e21. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-79058-1.00027-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2025]
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3
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Doornekamp L, Comvalius AD, GeurtsvanKessel CH, Slobbe L, Scherbeijn SMJ, van Genderen PJJ, van Binnendijk RS, van Gorp ECM, de Swart RL, Goeijenbier M. Measles seroprevalence among Dutch travelling families. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 44:102194. [PMID: 34728385 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While measles vaccination is widely implemented in national immunisation programmes, measles incidence rates are increasing worldwide. Dutch inhabitants who were born between 1965-1975 may have fallen between two stools, lacking protection from a natural infection, and having missed the introduction of the measles vaccination schedule. With this study we aim to find the measles seroprevalence in travellers born between 1965 and 1975, compared to those born before 1965 and after 1975. METHODS Families travelling to Eastern Europe or outside Europe during the preceding year were recruited via Dutch secondary schools between 2016 and 2018. Their vaccination status was assessed using questionnaires, vaccination records and measles serology in dried blood spot (DBS) eluates. Measles virus antibody concentrations were determined with an ELISA (EUROIMMUNE®) and a subset was retested with a focus reduction neutralization assay (FRNT). RESULTS In 188 (79%) of the 239 available DBS eluates, the ELISA could detect sufficient measles virus-specific IgG antibodies. Of the negative samples that were retested with FRNT, 85% remained negative, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 82% [95% CI 76-86]. Children had a lower seroprevalence (72%) than adults (87%). Travellers born between 1965 and 1975 were protected in 89%. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we report a measles seroprevalence of 82% among Dutch travelling families. Remarkably, seroprevalence rates were lowest in children (12-18 years) instead of travellers born between 1965 and 1975. Although a fraction of people without detectable antibodies may be protected by other immune mechanisms, these data suggest that measles (re)vaccination should be considered for travellers to endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Doornekamp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Travel Clinic, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anouskha D Comvalius
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Corine H GeurtsvanKessel
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lennert Slobbe
- Travel Clinic, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Tropical Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra M J Scherbeijn
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Perry J J van Genderen
- Travel Clinic, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Tropical Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob S van Binnendijk
- Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Eric C M van Gorp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Travel Clinic, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rik L de Swart
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco Goeijenbier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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4
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Khosavanna RR, Kareko BW, Brady AC, Booty BL, Nix CD, Lyski ZL, Curlin ME, Messer WB. Clinical Symptoms of Dengue Infection among Patients from a Non-Endemic Area and Potential for a Predictive Model: A Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis and Decision Tree. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:121-129. [PMID: 33200724 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Under-recognition of dengue infection may lead to increased morbidity and mortality, whereas early detection is shown to help improve patient outcomes. Recent incidence and outbreak reports of dengue virus in the United States and other temperate regions where dengue was not typically seen have raised concerns regarding appropriate diagnosis and management by healthcare providers unfamiliar with the disease. This study aimed to describe self-reported clinical symptoms of dengue fever in a non-endemic cohort and to establish a clinically useful predictive algorithm based on presenting features that can assist in the early evaluation of potential dengue infection. Volunteers who experienced febrile illness while traveling in dengue-endemic countries were recruited for this study. History of illness and blood samples were collected at enrollment. Participants were classified as dengue naive or dengue exposed based on neutralizing antibody titers. Statistical analysis was performed to compare characteristics between the two groups. A regression model including joint/muscle/bone pain, rash, dyspnea, and rhinorrhea predicts dengue infection with 78% sensitivity, 63% specificity, 80% positive predictive value, and 61% negative predictive value. A decision tree model including joint/muscle/bone pain, dyspnea, and rash yields 77% sensitivity and 67% specificity. Diagnosis of dengue fever is challenging because of the nonspecific nature of clinical presentation. A sensitive predicting model can be helpful to triage suspected dengue infection in the non-endemic setting, but specificity requires additional testing including laboratory evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bettie W Kareko
- 1School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Adam C Brady
- 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Brian L Booty
- 3Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Chad D Nix
- 4Infection Prevention and Control, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Zoe L Lyski
- 5Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Marcel E Curlin
- 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - William B Messer
- 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon.,5Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review considers recent evidence on travel-associated sexual intercourse and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks and travel with regards to risk behavior and implications of travel on communities. It highlights the lack of research in this area and topics for consideration. RECENT FINDINGS A population-based study, and others, shows significant levels of sex abroad and risk behavior with inconsistent condom use despite increasing travel advice about risks. There is an increasing association of STIs in military personnel from local rather than deployment-associated sex contacts shown in United States and French studies, probably related to deployment of women. Innovative studies are showing the effect of female sex-tourism on the communities involved, and the sexual interaction and risk for tourism employees from tourists. New social networking apps require evaluation as to both their potential to increase and decrease risks. Travel sex continues to be a vector for the global spread of multidrug resistant gonorrhoeae. SUMMARY New research challenges previous perspectives with changes to risk behavior in the military, female sex tourism, the change in social networks and ongoing risk behavior research and evidence of increased cross-country partnerships. The lack of high-quality studies evaluating travel advice to reduce risk is a key area for future work.
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Shaban RZ, Sotomayor-Castillo CF, Malik J, Li C. Global commercial passenger airlines and travel health information regarding infection control and the prevention of infectious disease: What's in a website? Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 33:101528. [PMID: 31760126 PMCID: PMC7110852 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air travel has never been easier, cheaper or faster, with large volumes of people travelling around the world. These factors increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases by air travel. Little is known, however, about the extent to which airlines provide information to passengers on infection control and measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This study examined the websites of the global commercial passenger airlines to see if they contained information about infection control and prevention of infectious diseases and appraised the clinical usefulness of that information. METHOD A cross-sectional text-based analysis of the 73 airline websites from the six global commercial passenger airline conglomerates was performed to identify information about infection control and prevention of infectious between July and August 2019. RESULTS Of the 73 airline websites, less than half (n = 35, 28.6%) contained information deemed useful for passengers. While there was a range of general health advice within the websites, there was limited information about infection control and preventing infectious diseases. A minority of websites contained information about vaccination status prior to travel, and to a lesser extent handwashing and hand hygiene, with very few including disease-specific advice or preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS Airline websites are an underutilised source of information for infection control and the prevention of infectious diseases. Providing passengers with information on basic infection control and prevention measures may support the global efforts against the spread of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Z Shaban
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; The University of Sydney, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Division of Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health, Westmead Hospital and the Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Cristina F Sotomayor-Castillo
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; The University of Sydney, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Division of Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health, Westmead Hospital and the Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Jeremy Malik
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Cecilia Li
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; The University of Sydney, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Division of Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health, Westmead Hospital and the Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
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7
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Freedman DO, Chen LH. Vaccines for International Travel. Mayo Clin Proc 2019; 94:2314-2339. [PMID: 31685156 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The pretravel management of the international traveler should be based on risk management principles. Prevention strategies and medical interventions should be based on the itinerary, preexisting health factors, and behaviors that are unique to the traveler. A structured approach to the patient interaction provides a general framework for an efficient consultation. Vaccine-preventable diseases play an important role in travel-related illnesses, and their impact is not restricted to exotic diseases in developing countries. Therefore, an immunization encounter before travel is an ideal time to update all age-appropriate immunizations as well as providing protection against diseases that pose additional risk to travelers that may be delineated by their destinations or activities. This review focuses on indications for each travel-related vaccine together with a structured synthesis and graphics that show the geographic distribution of major travel-related diseases and highlight particularly high-risk destinations and behaviors. Dosing, route of administration, need for boosters, and possible accelerated regimens for vaccines administered prior to travel are presented. Different underlying illnesses and medications produce different levels of immunocompromise, and there is much unknown in this discipline. Recommendations regarding vaccination of immunocompromised travelers have less of an evidence base than for other categories of travelers. The review presents a structured synthesis of issues pertinent to considerations for 5 special populations of traveler: child traveler, pregnant traveler, severely immunocompromised traveler, HIV-infected traveler, and traveler with other chronic underlying disease including asplenia, diabetes, and chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Freedman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, William C. Gorgas Center for Geographic Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham.
| | - Lin H Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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8
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Minkoff NZ, Buzzi K, Williamson AK, Hagmann SHF. Case Report: Acute Hepatitis E in a Pediatric Traveler Presenting with Features of Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 100:155-158. [PMID: 30350777 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is globally the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis. In industrialized countries, HEV infection can be seen in travelers returning from hyperendemic countries or in individuals at risk for autochthonous infection due to zoonotic exposure. Hepatitis E virus infection is often unrecognized and at times misdiagnosed because of nonspecific findings that can overlap with other causes of hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Although most cases of acute HEV infection resolve spontaneously and do not require treatment, life-threatening acute liver failure may occur in some cases. We discuss the case of an 8-year-old boy returning from Bangladesh with progressive acute liver injury and a clinical profile suggestive of AIH, who showed a favorable response to corticosteroid treatment before the diagnosis of an acute HEV infection could be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Z Minkoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York
| | - Kate Buzzi
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York.,Department of Pediatrics, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York.,Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
| | - Alex K Williamson
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York.,Department of Pathology, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York
| | - Stefan H F Hagmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York.,Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York.,Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York
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9
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Steffen R. Travel vaccine preventable diseases-updated logarithmic scale with monthly incidence rates. J Travel Med 2018; 25:5054782. [PMID: 30016468 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tay046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Steffen
- University of Zurich, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Decraene V, Kühlmann Berenzon S, Andersson Franko M, Veličko I. Differences in travel-related incidence of chlamydia by age groups, gender and destination: Sweden 2000-2013. Travel Med Infect Dis 2018; 25:42-49. [PMID: 29476910 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The absolute number of travel-related Chlamydia cases in Sweden has consistently increased between 2000 and 2013. Given the growth in international travel, we aimed to study the trends of travel-related Chlamydia incidence to determine differences and identify high-risk groups and destinations. METHODS For 2000-2013 we calculated annual Chlamydia incidence per 100,000 travels by dividing the number of notified travel-related cases by the number of travels; the latter were collected from a yearly survey among Swedish residents. For specific destinations 95% confidence intervals were calculated and monotonic yearly trends tested. RESULTS The overall median annual travel-related Chlamydia incidence was higher for women than for men, but the opposite was true in age groups >25 years. For men, Thailand had the highest incidence, which was 3-7 times higher than the next highest destination in each age group. Spain, Turkey and Thailand had the highest incidence among women, but differences between countries were smaller than for men. For most destinations the yearly trends were stable. CONCLUSIONS We showed different profiles for men and women and age groups in terms of high incidence destinations. This specific information could allow to better tailor safe sex messages and advocate post-travel Chlamydia testing to target groups travelling to certain destinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Decraene
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden; Public Health England North West, Liverpool, United Kingdom; The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | | | | | - Inga Veličko
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
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11
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German travelers' preferences for travel vaccines assessed by a discrete choice experiment. Vaccine 2018; 36:969-978. [PMID: 29338877 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many travelers to regions with endemic infectious diseases do not follow health authorities' recommendations regarding vaccination against vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, before traveling. The determinants of individual travelers' decisions to vaccinate before traveling are largely unknown. This study aimed to provide this information using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) administered to four types of German travelers: (1) business travelers; (2) travelers visiting friends and relatives (VFR); (3) leisure travelers; and (4) backpackers. METHODS A DCE survey was developed, pretested and administered online. It included a series of choice questions in which respondents chose between two hypothetical vaccines, each characterized by four disease attributes with varying levels describing the of risk, health impact, curability and transmissibility of the disease they would prevent (described with four disease attributes with varying levels of risk, health impact, curability and transmissibility), and varying levels of four vaccine attributes (duration of protection, number of doses required, time required for vaccination, and vaccine cost). A random-parameters logit model was used to estimate the importance weights each traveler type placed on the various attribute levels. These weights were used to calculate mean monetary equivalents (MMEs) of changes in each attribute (holding all others constant) and of hypothetical disease-vaccine combinations. RESULTS All traveler types' choices indicated that they attached the greatest importance to the risk and health impact of disease and to the vaccine cost whereas the other disease and vaccine attributes were less important for their decisions about travel vaccines. An option of not choosing any of the vaccine-pairs presented was rarely selected indicating that travelers' generally prefer to be vaccinated rather than not. The MMEs of changes in vaccine attributes indicated a very high variability between the individual travelers within each type. CONCLUSIONS The travelers' responses indicated strong preferences for selecting vaccination rather than opting out of vaccination, and disease risk, health impact and vaccine cost were the most important features for vaccine choice.
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12
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Zöldi V, Sane J, Kantele A, Rimhanen-Finne R, Salmenlinna S, Lyytikäinen O. Destination specific risks of acquisition of notifiable food- and waterborne infections or sexually transmitted infections among Finnish international travellers, 1995-2015. Travel Med Infect Dis 2017; 25:35-41. [PMID: 29030321 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overnight international travels made by Finns more than doubled during 1995-2015. To estimate risks and observe trends of travel-related notifiable sexually transmitted and food- and water-borne infections (STIs and FWIs) among travellers, we analysed national reports of gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis A, shigellosis, campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis cases and related them to travel statistics. METHOD Cases notified as travel-related to the Finnish infectious diseases register were used as numerators and overnight stays of Statistics Finland surveys as denominator. We calculated overall risks (per 100,000 travellers) and assessed trends (using regression model) in various geographic regions. RESULTS Of all travel-related cases during 1995-2015, 2304 were STIs and 70,929 FWIs. During 2012-2015, Asia-Oceania showed highest risk estimates for gonorrhoea (11.0; 95%CI, 9.5-13), syphilis (1.4; 0.93-2.1), salmonellosis (157; 151-164), and campylobacteriosis (135; 129-141), and Africa for hepatitis A (4.5; 2.5-7.9), and shigellosis (35; 28-43). When evaluating at country level, the highest risks of infections was found in Thailand, except for hepatitis A ranking Hungary the first. During 2000-2011, significantly decreasing trends occurred for most FWIs particularly in the European regions and for STIs in Russia-Baltics. CONCLUSIONS Our findings can be used in targeting pre-travel advice, which should also cover those visiting Thailand or European hepatitis A risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Zöldi
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland; European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jussi Sane
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anu Kantele
- Infectious Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Unit of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ruska Rimhanen-Finne
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Saara Salmenlinna
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Outi Lyytikäinen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
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