The Health Protection Agency (HPA) estimated there were 82 cases of stomach illness for every 100,000 visits to Egypt, compared to 65 cases for India. They were followed by Thailand, Pakistan and Morocco. The report divided travel destinations into three levels of risk, classifying visits to Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia as the most dangerous for gastrointestinal infection.
Of the top 10 most popular destinations for English, Welsh and Northern Irish tourists, Portugal had the highest rate with 6.6 cases per 100,000 visits. The study also found that half of the 24,322 laboratory-confirmed cases between 2004 and 2008 were caused by salmonella. Particular germ risk areas were unhygienic restaurants and swimming pools.
Travellers were advised to wash their hands regularly, carry alcohol gel and be cautious about drinking water. Dr Jane Jones, a travel health expert with the HPA, said: ‘There are measures people can take to protect themselves while they are away, and it is also important that travel health specialists and the travel industry work together to increase awareness of travellers’ diarrhoea and to actively promote prevention strategies in high-risk destinations.
‘We know from studies that travellers may not follow health advice consistently while abroad. Personal hygiene and precautionary measures against food and water-borne illness are important at all times anywhere but particularly when travelling to countries with less robust sanitary infrastructure than the UK.
‘Taking sensible precautions such as avoiding tap water and ensuring food is properly cooked, will help to keep a holiday at any time of the year both enjoyable and healthy.’ The top 10 countries were named as Egypt, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Morocco, Kenya, Tunisia, Malta, Mexico and Cyprus as well as the Caribbean.
Post published in: News