The most common causes of death in all travelers are
heart attack, stroke, motor vehicle accident and drowning. As in the
United States, most motor vehicle accidents and drowning are associated
with alcohol. Here’s a general risk analysis:
To put this in perspective, except for the increased risk
of fatal injury, this risk is the same as if you stayed home.
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What are the risks of travel to developing countries?
Travel to developing countries, defined by a Gross
National Product of less than $2,000 per capita, carries a 40% risk of
illness, usually gastro-intestinal or respiratory infection. One in 10
travelers will be forced to limit their activities due to illness. One
in 75 will seek local medical care. Pre-travel consultation and good
personal health behaviors can cut the risk of illness while traveling in
half.
Here’s
a general risk analysis:
