Health risks and travel preparation among foreign visitors and expatriates during the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games

摘要: During the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we conducted surveillance of illnesses among travelers at six Beijing clinics. Surveys asked about demographic, pre-travel, vaccination information, physician-provided diagnoses. Of 807 respondents, 38% 57% were classified as foreign visitors (FV) expatriates, respectively. Less than one-half FV sought pre-travel advice; sources included health-care providers friends/family. rate was also low; however, most vaccines given recommended by Centers for Disease Control Prevention. The common diagnoses respiratory, injury/musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal illnesses; dermatologic illnesses. Respiratory in expatriates significantly less during 2004-2007 (chi(2) = 10.2; P 0.0014), suggesting that control programs may have reduced pollutants/respiratory irritants Games. We found no previous studies health outcomes living cities with mass travel events. These findings highlight need to continuously disseminate information advising travelers.