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Book Review
Atlas of Travel Medicine and
Health
Jane Chiodini and Lorna Boyne, authors
BC Decker, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, 2002, ISBN: 1-55009-189-1, Pages:
160, Price: $59.95
Suggested citation
for this article:
Chen LH. Atlas of Travel Medicine and Health. Emerg Infect Dis [serial
online] 2003 Nov [date cited]. Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol9no11/03-0503.htm
Travel medicine is a field that requires in-depth knowledge about disease
epidemiology. Whether providing pretravel evaluations or posttravel consultations,
the travel medicine specialist must be up to date on disease epidemiology.
Pretravel evaluations require counseling the traveler to avoid risks from
diseases specific to the itinerary. Posttravel consultations demand recognition
of possible diseases on the basis of areas visited as well as specific
exposures. A pictorial depiction of disease distribution can be a useful
tool in determining risks of diseases to the traveler and can complement
the existing resources for clinicians.
Atlas of Travel Medicine and Health, a book and accompanying CD-ROM by
J. Chiodini and L. Boyne, contains basic information that can be used
to provide pretravel advice. Its major sources are the World Health Organization
and U.K. Department of Health and the Public Health Laboratory Service
guidelines. The book is organized into three sections. Section One describes
general risks and precautions, such as food and water, animal contact,
vector-borne diseases, fresh water exposure, and blood and body fluid
contact. Section Two contains descriptions and maps of some diseases that
may be encountered by travelers. Section Three contains country-specific
information about malaria, immunizations, and other health considerations
for the more popular destinations.
The format is organized, the content is basic, and the book is easy to
read. Although the intended audience is healthcare professionals, the
information can be easily used by the traveler. Some maps have incorporated
the topography to indicate specific malaria risk, depending on elevation,
which is a nice feature.
Because Section Three only focuses on popular destinations, many countries
with malaria risk are not included. The section can be improved with consistent
use of color, a more detailed key, and by adding major tourist centers
and cities. Although the authors do not intend to cover an exhaustive
list of diseases or countries, another important improvement would be
the inclusion of all countries infected with or endemic for yellow fever.
Diseases such as leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, and acute mountain sickness
deserve mention in Section Two but are not currently discussed. Finally,
the CD-ROM is generally easy to use, but Section Two on the CD-ROM could
be improved by changing the orientation of the maps.
We live in a world of movement. The mobility of populations globally
leads to the potential spread of infectious diseases and to the rapid
change of disease distribution as demonstrated by outbreaks of dengue,
meningococcal disease, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). An
ideal atlas for travel medicine should be able to reflect recent outbreaks
in addition to the general distribution of diseases. To do so would require
frequent updates of the atlas. Currently, the Atlas of Travel Medicine
and Health is suitable for healthcare professionals and travelers who
desire brief summaries on some travel-related illnesses, but it must be
used in conjunction with more comprehensive references.
Lin H. Chen*
*Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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