Journal of travel medicine
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Understanding mortality among travellers is essential for mitigating risks and enhancing travel safety. However, limited evidence exists on severe illnesses and injuries leading to death among travellers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and remote regions. ⋯ A total of 17 245 deaths were reported. NCDs (55%) were the most common cause of death, followed by communicable diseases (23.4%) and injuries (18.1%). NCD-associated deaths increased after age 55 years and were highest among ≥85 years. Communicable diseases were more common at younger age (<20 years). Injury-associated deaths were more common in men (79.9%) and 25-29-year-olds (17.1%). Most deaths (68.2%) could have been avoided by prevention or treatment. Mortality risk was higher among travellers in bordering regions between countries. In Roraima [Brazil] and Norte de Santander [Colombia], locations bordering Venezuela, the death incidence rate ratio was 863 and 60, respectively. These countries' reference mortality rates in those regions were much lower. More than 80% of the deaths in these border regions of Brazil and Colombia involved Venezuelan citizens. Conclusion: The study identified risk factors and high-risk locations for deaths among travellers in seven countries of South America. Our findings underscore the need for specific health interventions tailored to traveller demographics and destination to optimise prevention of avoidable deaths in South America.
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A 35-year-old traveller to West Africa returned from his trip with a sand flea embedded in his foot. The pea-sized sand flea was extracted entirely by a non-medical person, allowing an exceptional visualisation. Tungiasis, the sand flea disease, occurs sporadically in travellers. This is the second case reported from Guinea-Bissau.