Gaston A D, Poindexter H A
J Natl Med Assoc. 1979 Nov;71(11):1137-9.
The human population of the earth is estimated to be approximately four billion people, the majority of whom live in developing countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. They are the poorer segment of the world's population and live in the world's warmest places. Infectious communicable endemic diseases also abound in these poverty areas. Millions of Americans travel to these less developed countries (LDCs), thus exposing themselves to unfamiliar health conditions. The United States no longer requires an immunization certificate for travelers from these LDCs. Tropical diseases also represent a type of pathology infrequently seen by many American medical practitioners. Additionally, the curricula of medical schools allocate only a fractional amount of time to specific disease problems of LDCs. Important gaps exist in both knowledge and application of knowledge in terms of many such diseases.The international travelers to LDCs must not be lulled into believing that travel precautions are unnecessary. Lack of preparedness can be hazardous and even fatal to international travelers. Those who purchase souvenirs such as art works and handicrafts often are not aware that these items may pose health hazards. The health professions, particularly the public health department official, should develop a continuing health education regimen in the area of health care for international travelers. The American traveling public deserves better service in this matter.
据估计，地球上的人口约为40亿，其中大多数生活在非洲、亚洲和拉丁美洲的发展中国家。他们是世界人口中较为贫困的部分，生活在世界上最温暖的地区。这些贫困地区也有大量传染性地方病。数以百万计的美国人前往这些欠发达国家（LDC），从而使自己暴露于不熟悉的健康状况中。美国不再要求来自这些欠发达国家的旅行者提供免疫接种证书。热带疾病也是许多美国医生很少见到的一种病理类型。此外，医学院的课程只分配了很少一部分时间用于讲解欠发达国家的特定疾病问题。在许多此类疾病的知识和知识应用方面都存在重大差距。前往欠发达国家的国际旅行者绝不能误以为旅行预防措施是不必要的。准备不足对国际旅行者可能是危险的，甚至是致命的。那些购买艺术品和手工艺品等纪念品的人往往没有意识到这些物品可能会对健康造成危害。卫生专业人员，特别是公共卫生部门的官员，应该在国际旅行者的医疗保健领域制定持续的健康教育方案。在这件事情上，美国的旅行公众应该得到更好的服务。
