Life and death on the Amazon: illness and injury to travelers on a South American expedition.

摘要: Background: commercial expeditions provide an opportunity for travelers to undertake various specialized travel more adventurous destinations in the relative security of expeditionary group. Little is known about illnesses and injuries occurring on such expeditions. Methods: from commencement Blake Expedition 2001, expedition physician recorded all reported among crew also indigenous people encountered, while undertaking expedition. The duration was two a half months, involved by yacht, riverboat jungle canoe or "bongo". numbered 26 personnel: 24 men, including physician, women. Results: seventy-eight health problems were 19 (73.1%) members team. There one death, but there no other major incidents requiring emergency evacuation hospitalization. Types illness largely those related ear, nose throat disease (15/78, 19%), (12/87, 15%), bites stings respiratory (10/78, 13%), dermatologic (9/78, 12%) gastroenterologic conditions (7/78, 9%). A further 22 who approached treatment. (9/24, 38%), accidents (4/24, 17%), malaria 17%). Conclusions: this both noteworthy newsworthy because death team leader, Sir Peter Blake, although encountered similar expeditions. Tropical uncommon. Adequate pre-trip preparation teams considered important, inclusion decreased reliance local services, which are often scarce absent remote-location psychological should be included, prepare unexpected outcomes, as severe injury.