Atlas of Travel Medicine and Health.Jane Chiodini and Lorna Boyne, authors BC Decker, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, 2002, ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m : 1-55009-189-1, Pages: 160, Price: $59.95 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 CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). 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 not of the white race; - commonly meaning, esp. in the United States, of negro blood, pure or mixed. See also: 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 yellow fever, acute infectious disease endemic in tropical Africa and many areas of South America. Epidemics have extended into subtropical and temperate regions during warm seasons. . Diseases such as leishmaniasis leishmaniasis (lēsh'mənī`əsĭs), any of a group of tropical diseases caused by parasitic protozoans of the genus Leishmania. , Lyme disease Lyme disease, a nonfatal bacterial infection that causes symptoms ranging from fever and headache to a painful swelling of the joints. The first American case of Lyme's characteristic rash was documented in 1970 and the disease was first identified in a cluster at , and acute mountain sickness acute mountain sickness Wilderness medicine A condition caused by prolonged exposure to high altitude Clinical Dry cough, SOB, poor exercise tolerance, dizziness, headache, sleep difficulty, anorexia, confusion, fatigue, tachycardia Management Move to low altitude 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 infectious diseases: see communicable diseases. and to the rapid change of disease distribution as demonstrated by outbreaks of dengue dengue or breakbone fever or dandy fever Infectious, disabling mosquito-borne fever. Other symptoms include extreme joint pain and stiffness, intense pain behind the eyes, a return of fever after brief pause, and a characteristic rash. , meningococcal disease, and severe acute respiratory syndrome Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Definition Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is the first emergent and highly transmissible viral disease to appear during the twenty-first century. (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. Address for correspondence: Lin H. Chen, Mount Auburn Hospital, Travel Medicine Center, 330 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02238, USA: fax: 617 499 5453; email: lchen@hms.harvard.edu Lin H. Chen * * Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts |
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