Health Risks in Travelers to China: The GeoSentinel Experience and Implications for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Authors:
  • SMSusan MacDonald
    Susan MacDonald
  • SBSarah Borwein
    Sarah Borwein
  • DFDavid O. Freedman
    David O. Freedman
  • PKPhyllis E. Kozarsky
    Phyllis E. Kozarsky
  • FSFrank von Sonnenburg
    Frank von Sonnenburg
  • JKJay S. Keystone
    Jay S. Keystone
  • PLPoh Lian Lim
    Poh Lian Lim
  • NMNina Marano
    Nina Marano
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Selected data collected for travelers to China from 1998 through November 2007 by the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network were used to provide an evidence base for prioritizing recommendations for Olympic and other future travelers to China. Respiratory illness and injuries were common among patients seen during their travel; acute diarrhea and dog bites were common among those seen after travel. Tropical and parasitic diseases were rare. Pre-travel consultation for China travelers should be individualized according to these findings.