Travelers' Health
1998

Travel and the Spread of Emerging Infectious Diseases

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Martin Cetron, Jay Keystone, David Shlim, Robert Steffen

Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hypothesis

How does international travel contribute to the spread of infectious diseases?

Conclusion

International travel significantly facilitates the spread of new and reemerging infectious diseases.

Supporting Evidence

  • Travelers can be sentinels for the arrival of infectious agents in new communities.
  • Mass migrations have facilitated the rapid spread of communicable diseases.
  • Vaccination is a key strategy in preventing travel-related infections.

Takeaway

When people travel, they can carry germs to new places, making it easier for diseases to spread. It's important to keep an eye on travelers to help stop this.

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication