Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102948
Camila Lorenz , Philippe Lemey , Simon Dellicour
Changes in the geographic distribution and territorial expansion of Aedes aegypti, the main dengue vector in the Americas, coupled with the concurrent circulation of multiple DENV serotypes, have driven the overall rise in dengue incidence in Brazil. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of dengue virus serotypes across Brazil, focusing on dengue epidemiology over the last decade (2014–2025). We examine the temporal dynamics of these serotypes and discuss the main strategies to mitigate the public health impact of their co-circulation.
{"title":"Dengue serotypes and epidemic dynamics in Brazil: a spatiotemporal perspective","authors":"Camila Lorenz , Philippe Lemey , Simon Dellicour","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Changes in the geographic distribution and territorial expansion of <em>Aedes aegypti,</em> the main dengue vector in the Americas, coupled with the concurrent circulation of multiple DENV serotypes, have driven the overall rise in dengue incidence in Brazil. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of dengue virus serotypes across Brazil, focusing on dengue epidemiology over the last decade (2014–2025). We examine the temporal dynamics of these serotypes and discuss the main strategies to mitigate the public health impact of their co-circulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 102948"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145795020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102946
Jonathan Remppis , Rebekka Weitz , Mohamed Aasi , Elsa Taut , Michael Sroka , Holger Czerwonka , Stefan Berberich-Kappe , Carsten Köhler , Sarah Kotsias-Konopelska , Sabine Bélard
Background
Despite rising global mobility, pediatric travel medicine remains underrepresented. Children are particularly vulnerable to travel-related health risks, yet evidence suggests that preventive measures are inconsistently applied. This study aimed to obtain unfiltered data on pediatric travel medicine outside a medical setting in Germany, and identify existing gaps and resources.
Methods
Between July 2024 and January 2025, face-to-face interviews with families returning from tropical or subtropical destinations were conducted in the baggage claim area at Frankfurt Airport. The survey collected data on travel profiles, medical preparation, behaviors and travel-related illnesses. In total, 200 families were included in the analysis, comprising 702 individuals, of whom 318 were children under 18 years.
Results
While 109 (55 %) families had received pre-travel advice by a pediatrician or general practitioner (GP), only 29 (15 %) had been consulted by travel medicine specialists. The children of 138 (69 %) families had not received any vaccinations in preparation for their trip. Among 31 families at high risk of malaria, only 19 (61 %) administered chemoprophylaxis to their children. Seventeen families carried standby emergency treatment, some in addition to chemoprophylaxis. Children of 51 (26 %) families had medical problems during travel, mostly respiratory symptoms, fever, and diarrhea; only one child required hospitalization.
Conclusions
Pediatricians and GPs play a key role in travel consultation. The study reveals substantial shortcomings in pediatric travel preparation, particularly regarding vaccination and malaria prevention. To address these gaps, increased awareness among families, improved training for pediatricians and GPs, and clear and accessible pediatric-specific guidelines are urgently needed.
{"title":"Child health in international travel: A German airport survey","authors":"Jonathan Remppis , Rebekka Weitz , Mohamed Aasi , Elsa Taut , Michael Sroka , Holger Czerwonka , Stefan Berberich-Kappe , Carsten Köhler , Sarah Kotsias-Konopelska , Sabine Bélard","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102946","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite rising global mobility, pediatric travel medicine remains underrepresented. Children are particularly vulnerable to travel-related health risks, yet evidence suggests that preventive measures are inconsistently applied. This study aimed to obtain unfiltered data on pediatric travel medicine outside a medical setting in Germany, and identify existing gaps and resources.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Between July 2024 and January 2025, face-to-face interviews with families returning from tropical or subtropical destinations were conducted in the baggage claim area at Frankfurt Airport. The survey collected data on travel profiles, medical preparation, behaviors and travel-related illnesses. In total, 200 families were included in the analysis, comprising 702 individuals, of whom 318 were children under 18 years.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>While 109 (55 %) families had received pre-travel advice by a pediatrician or general practitioner (GP), only 29 (15 %) had been consulted by travel medicine specialists. The children of 138 (69 %) families had not received any vaccinations in preparation for their trip. Among 31 families at high risk of malaria, only 19 (61 %) administered chemoprophylaxis to their children. Seventeen families carried standby emergency treatment, some in addition to chemoprophylaxis. Children of 51 (26 %) families had medical problems during travel, mostly respiratory symptoms, fever, and diarrhea; only one child required hospitalization.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Pediatricians and GPs play a key role in travel consultation. The study reveals substantial shortcomings in pediatric travel preparation, particularly regarding vaccination and malaria prevention. To address these gaps, increased awareness among families, improved training for pediatricians and GPs, and clear and accessible pediatric-specific guidelines are urgently needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 102946"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145744175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102945
Li-Teh Liu , Po-Chih Chen , Ping-Chang Lin , Ching-Yi Tsai , Chun-Hong Chen , Chen-Hsuan Lin , Jih-Jin Tsai
Background
Rapid molecular diagnostics are critical for timely dengue virus (DENV) detection, especially in resource-limited settings. Reverse transcription-insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (RT-iiPCR) enables sample-to-answer amplification without thermocyclers. While this platform was previously validated, its diagnostic performance against contemporary viral genotypes and, critically, across different host immune statuses (primary vs. secondary infection) remains largely undefined. We assessed a DENV iiPCR assay against quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) during the 2023 outbreak in southern Taiwan.
Methods
Acute-phase sera (n = 185) from febrile patients were tested by qRT-PCR, pan-DENV iiPCR, IgM/IgG ELISAs, and serotype-specific RT-PCR/iiPCR. Diagnostic performance was evaluated with qRT-PCR as a reference. Subgroup analyses examined effects of days post-symptom onset (PSO), immune status (primary vs secondary infection), and serotype on iiPCR sensitivity.
Results
Pan-iiPCR achieved 88.4 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity versus qRT-PCR. Sensitivity peaked within 3 days PSO (96.8 %) and in primary infections (95.0 %) but declined after day 3 (53.3 %) and in secondary infections (82.2 %). Combining pan-iiPCR with IgM testing raised sensitivity to ≥99 % beyond the viremic window. iiPCR correctly typed 83.5 % (71/85) of DENV-1 and 94.3 % (66/70) of DENV-2. Because pan-iiPCR served as the screening step, 18 RT-PCR–positive specimens were pan-iiPCR negative and therefore did not proceed to iiPCR serotyping.
Conclusions
iiPCR enables rapid early-phase detection and is useful when paired with serology. However, reduced sensitivity in low-viremia and secondary infections, as well as incomplete serotyping, limit standalone use. Primer optimization and integration with IgM testing may enhance outbreak utility.
{"title":"Defining the clinical utility of dengue RT-iiPCR: stratification by days post-onset and primary vs. secondary infection during the 2023 Taiwan outbreak","authors":"Li-Teh Liu , Po-Chih Chen , Ping-Chang Lin , Ching-Yi Tsai , Chun-Hong Chen , Chen-Hsuan Lin , Jih-Jin Tsai","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102945","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102945","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rapid molecular diagnostics are critical for timely dengue virus (DENV) detection, especially in resource-limited settings. Reverse transcription-insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (RT-iiPCR) enables sample-to-answer amplification without thermocyclers. While this platform was previously validated, its diagnostic performance against contemporary viral genotypes and, critically, across different host immune statuses (primary vs. secondary infection) remains largely undefined. We assessed a DENV iiPCR assay against quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) during the 2023 outbreak in southern Taiwan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Acute-phase sera (n = 185) from febrile patients were tested by qRT-PCR, pan-DENV iiPCR, IgM/IgG ELISAs, and serotype-specific RT-PCR/iiPCR. Diagnostic performance was evaluated with qRT-PCR as a reference. Subgroup analyses examined effects of days post-symptom onset (PSO), immune status (primary vs secondary infection), and serotype on iiPCR sensitivity.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Pan-iiPCR achieved 88.4 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity versus qRT-PCR. Sensitivity peaked within 3 days PSO (96.8 %) and in primary infections (95.0 %) but declined after day 3 (53.3 %) and in secondary infections (82.2 %). Combining pan-iiPCR with IgM testing raised sensitivity to ≥99 % beyond the viremic window. iiPCR correctly typed 83.5 % (71/85) of DENV-1 and 94.3 % (66/70) of DENV-2. Because pan-iiPCR served as the screening step, 18 RT-PCR–positive specimens were pan-iiPCR negative and therefore did not proceed to iiPCR serotyping.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>iiPCR enables rapid early-phase detection and is useful when paired with serology. However, reduced sensitivity in low-viremia and secondary infections, as well as incomplete serotyping, limit standalone use. Primer optimization and integration with IgM testing may enhance outbreak utility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 102945"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145712185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102941
Jorge A. Morcillo Muñoz , Diego Andrés Rodríguez Lugo , Abraham Katime Zuñiga , Daniela Miranda Paz , Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
{"title":"Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to typhoid fever: a diagnostic challenge","authors":"Jorge A. Morcillo Muñoz , Diego Andrés Rodríguez Lugo , Abraham Katime Zuñiga , Daniela Miranda Paz , Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102941","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 102941"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145517082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102930
Suhanya Prasad , Barbora Dratvova , Milena Antuskova , Marie Brajerova , Elka Nycova , Eva Adamova , Milan Trojanek , Jan Tkadlec , Pavel Drevinek , Marcela Krutova
Background
While antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacterales is closely monitored in healthcare settings, much less is known about the circulation of these bacteria in the community, particularly in high-risk groups such as travellers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, carbapenem- and colistin-resistant Enterobacterales in returning symptomatic Czech travellers, and to investigate whether travel contributes to colonisation with resistant strains distinct from those circulating in the Czech Republic.
Methods
Stool samples were cultured using a selective chromogenic medium following enrichment. Isolates with phenotypic resistance were characterised by short and long-read whole-genome sequencing. Genomes of ESBL and mcr-1-carrying E. coli isolates from travellers were compared with available genomes from various Czech sources, including wastewater treatment plants, hospital sewage, river water, patients with urinary tract infections, rectal swabs from medical students, and meat samples.
Results
Between September 2019 and October 2021, 165 stool samples (male = 91, 55.2 %, average age 41 years) were analysed. Thirty-two travellers (19.4 %) were culture-positive on the ESBL screening media, with ESBL genes identified in 17.6 % (29/165). The blaCTX-M-15 gene was dominant (59 %, 17/29), located either on the plasmid or the chromosome. Three non-ESBL E. coli isolates carried the mcr-1 gene (1.8 %, 3/165). No carbapenem-resistant isolates were recovered. No clonal relatedness was observed between ESBL-carrying E. coli isolates or their plasmids from travellers and other sources.
Conclusion
Czech travellers frequently carried diverse ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, suggesting that travel contributes to the dissemination of bacterial strains and mobile genetic elements harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes.
{"title":"ESBL-producing and colistin-resistant Enterobacterales among Czech international travellers: genomic relatedness to community and environmental isolates","authors":"Suhanya Prasad , Barbora Dratvova , Milena Antuskova , Marie Brajerova , Elka Nycova , Eva Adamova , Milan Trojanek , Jan Tkadlec , Pavel Drevinek , Marcela Krutova","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102930","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102930","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>While antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacterales is closely monitored in healthcare settings, much less is known about the circulation of these bacteria in the community, particularly in high-risk groups such as travellers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, carbapenem- and colistin-resistant Enterobacterales in returning symptomatic Czech travellers, and to investigate whether travel contributes to colonisation with resistant strains distinct from those circulating in the Czech Republic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Stool samples were cultured using a selective chromogenic medium following enrichment. Isolates with phenotypic resistance were characterised by short and long-read whole-genome sequencing. Genomes of ESBL and <em>mcr-1</em>-carrying <em>E. coli</em> isolates from travellers were compared with available genomes from various Czech sources, including wastewater treatment plants, hospital sewage, river water, patients with urinary tract infections, rectal swabs from medical students, and meat samples.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Between September 2019 and October 2021, 165 stool samples (male = 91, 55.2 %, average age 41 years) were analysed. Thirty-two travellers (19.4 %) were culture-positive on the ESBL screening media, with ESBL genes identified in 17.6 % (29/165). The <em>bla</em><sub>CTX-M-15</sub> gene was dominant (59 %, 17/29), located either on the plasmid or the chromosome. Three non-ESBL <em>E. coli</em> isolates carried the <em>mcr-1</em> gene (1.8 %, 3/165). No carbapenem-resistant isolates were recovered. No clonal relatedness was observed between ESBL-carrying <em>E. coli</em> isolates or their plasmids from travellers and other sources.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Czech travellers frequently carried diverse ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, suggesting that travel contributes to the dissemination of bacterial strains and mobile genetic elements harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 102930"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145483002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102933
Siobhan C. Carroll , Maria Eugenia Castellanos , Andreas Neumayr , Lars Henning
Introduction
Medical advisors to travellers whose journeys begin and end in Australia will benefit from a review of the associated risks, to guide pre- and post-travel advice and care.
Methods
A literature search was conducted for original research on medical events in Australian residents related to international travel. Important findings were summarised, incidence and risk factor data extracted, and grouped thematically for narrative review.
Results
31 studies published between 1995 and 2024 were identified. Reports of medical events during travel ranged between 28 % and 82 % of travellers, most commonly respiratory and gastrointestinal in nature (34 %–63 % of cases combined). Trauma accounted for 25 %–49 %. 23 studies (74 %) provided data only on events identified or treated after the traveller had returned. Respiratory, gastrointestinal and febrile illnesses were the most frequent reasons for these presentations. Respiratory infection was more common in older returned travellers. Younger adult travellers, more commonly experienced gastrointestinal infection and traumatic injury, including animal bites. Travellers Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) were at a higher risk of introducing notifiable diseases to Australia, and contracting tropical diseases.
Conclusions
Many travellers seek care after returning from international travel, with the majority due to diseases which commonly occur in Australia. Tropical diseases, however, which can be life-threatening, and require high levels of care, must be excluded. The changing demographic of the migrant population presents a public health risk when VFR travellers are exposed to diseases with limited presence in Australia. Travel advice should include a discussion about possible rabies exposure.
{"title":"What's the worst that could happen? The risk of illness, injury, and death related to international travel-the Australian experience","authors":"Siobhan C. Carroll , Maria Eugenia Castellanos , Andreas Neumayr , Lars Henning","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102933","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102933","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Medical advisors to travellers whose journeys begin and end in Australia will benefit from a review of the associated risks, to guide pre- and post-travel advice and care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A literature search was conducted for original research on medical events in Australian residents related to international travel. Important findings were summarised, incidence and risk factor data extracted, and grouped thematically for narrative review.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>31 studies published between 1995 and 2024 were identified. Reports of medical events during travel ranged between 28 % and 82 % of travellers, most commonly respiratory and gastrointestinal in nature (34 %–63 % of cases combined). Trauma accounted for 25 %–49 %. 23 studies (74 %) provided data only on events identified or treated after the traveller had returned. Respiratory, gastrointestinal and febrile illnesses were the most frequent reasons for these presentations. Respiratory infection was more common in older returned travellers. Younger adult travellers, more commonly experienced gastrointestinal infection and traumatic injury, including animal bites. Travellers Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) were at a higher risk of introducing notifiable diseases to Australia, and contracting tropical diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Many travellers seek care after returning from international travel, with the majority due to diseases which commonly occur in Australia. Tropical diseases, however, which can be life-threatening, and require high levels of care, must be excluded. The changing demographic of the migrant population presents a public health risk when VFR travellers are exposed to diseases with limited presence in Australia. Travel advice should include a discussion about possible rabies exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 102933"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145490391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102939
Ye-Ji Lee , Seung-Rye Cho , Won Kyong Kim , Myung Guk Han , Seon-Young Lee , So-dam Lee , Jonghee Kim , Heui Man Kim
Background
South Korea remains at risk for dengue virus (DENV) importation, primarily due to the widespread presence of Aedes albopictus and increasing international travel. This study investigated diagnostic trends, serotype distribution, and geographic origins of imported dengue cases in South Korea from 2020 to 2024.
Methods
Laboratory-confirmed dengue cases reported from January 2020 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed using data from public institutions and selected private laboratories. Diagnostic confirmation utilized IgM ELISA and RT-PCR. Serotyping of DENV-1–4 was performed in public institutions. Travel history information aided the analysis of temporal and geographic trends. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical evaluation.
Results
A total of 551 dengue cases were confirmed, with only one nosocomial infection and no local vector-borne transmission. Public laboratories identified most cases (89.1 %). RT-PCR confirmed 279 (50.6 %) and IgM ELISA 270 (49.0 %) cases. Serotype analysis of 221 cases detected all four DENV serotypes, with DENV-1 and DENV-2 predominant. Most exposures occurred in Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, highlighting key importation sources.
Conclusions
Nationwide public laboratory surveillance is vital for timely detection and characterization of imported dengue. These findings underscore the influence of international travel and the need for sustained vector monitoring, vaccine preparedness where appropriate, and traveler-targeted prevention in non-endemic regions.
{"title":"Imported dengue fever in South Korea, 2020–2024: Epidemiological trends and serotype distribution from national laboratory surveillance","authors":"Ye-Ji Lee , Seung-Rye Cho , Won Kyong Kim , Myung Guk Han , Seon-Young Lee , So-dam Lee , Jonghee Kim , Heui Man Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>South Korea remains at risk for dengue virus (DENV) importation, primarily due to the widespread presence of <em>Aedes albopictus</em> and increasing international travel. This study investigated diagnostic trends, serotype distribution, and geographic origins of imported dengue cases in South Korea from 2020 to 2024.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Laboratory-confirmed dengue cases reported from January 2020 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed using data from public institutions and selected private laboratories. Diagnostic confirmation utilized IgM ELISA and RT-PCR. Serotyping of DENV-1–4 was performed in public institutions. Travel history information aided the analysis of temporal and geographic trends. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical evaluation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 551 dengue cases were confirmed, with only one nosocomial infection and no local vector-borne transmission. Public laboratories identified most cases (89.1 %). RT-PCR confirmed 279 (50.6 %) and IgM ELISA 270 (49.0 %) cases. Serotype analysis of 221 cases detected all four DENV serotypes, with DENV-1 and DENV-2 predominant. Most exposures occurred in Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, highlighting key importation sources.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Nationwide public laboratory surveillance is vital for timely detection and characterization of imported dengue. These findings underscore the influence of international travel and the need for sustained vector monitoring, vaccine preparedness where appropriate, and traveler-targeted prevention in non-endemic regions<strong>.</strong></div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 102939"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145588907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102935
Mazin Barry , Rakan Alotaibi , Mohammed Bahatheg , Khalifa Binkhamis
We report a case of a man living with HIV with a baseline CD4 count of 7 cells/μl, who initially presented with vision loss due to CMV retinitis and cervical lymphadenopathy. Upon initiating antiretroviral therapy, his lymph node swelling increased, and a biopsy culture grew Mycobacterium simiae. The patient had a remote history of travel to Thailand, where he had frequent close encounters with monkeys. Primates may harbour non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and zoonotic transmission from monkeys to humans is feasible. Despite antimicrobial therapy, his condition worsened with increased lymph node swelling and abscess formation, which required surgical drainage, and he was determined to have developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Corticosteroid therapy was started, which showed a quick clinical response.
{"title":"IRIS in a person living with HIV due to disseminated Mycobacterium simiae infection possibly acquired after a remote travel history to Thailand","authors":"Mazin Barry , Rakan Alotaibi , Mohammed Bahatheg , Khalifa Binkhamis","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102935","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102935","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We report a case of a man living with HIV with a baseline CD4 count of 7 cells/μl, who initially presented with vision loss due to CMV retinitis and cervical lymphadenopathy. Upon initiating antiretroviral therapy, his lymph node swelling increased, and a biopsy culture grew <em>Mycobacterium simiae.</em> The patient had a remote history of travel to Thailand, where he had frequent close encounters with monkeys. Primates may harbour non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and zoonotic transmission from monkeys to humans is feasible. Despite antimicrobial therapy, his condition worsened with increased lymph node swelling and abscess formation, which required surgical drainage, and he was determined to have developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Corticosteroid therapy was started, which showed a quick clinical response.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 102935"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145463115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to assess the loneliness in long-term expatriates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This retrospective, cross-sectional study distributed an online structured questionnaire through the website and health education events of the New Southbound Health Center, established by Taiwan's CDC. The target population was Taiwanese employees expatriated to Southeast Asian countries and domestic employees, aged 20 years and older. From August 2022 to August 2023, the data of 22 long-term expatriates and 64 domestic employees were included. Outcomes of interest included distress, measured by the Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5 (BSRS-5), and loneliness, measured by the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UT-ILS). Other relevant factors examined included demographic data, expatriate status, social factors, psychological factors, and pandemic-related factors. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors and protectors of loneliness and distress.
Results
Loneliness (UT-ILS ≥4) was significantly higher among expatriates (77.3 %) than domestic residents (46.9 %; P = 0.014). Multivariable analysis revealed that higher psychological distress (OR = 1.19, p = 0.001), greater impact of the pandemic (OR = 3.19, p = 0.036), and fewer relatives contacted monthly (OR = 0.82, p = 0.04) predicted loneliness. Additionally, sub-analysis found that higher levels of self-esteem (OR = 5.49, p = 0.003) and less social support (OR = 0.80, p = 0.004) independently predicted psychological distress (BSRS-5 ≥ 6).
Conclusions
Psychological distress, greater impact of the pandemic, and fewer relatives contacted monthly are associated with loneliness in expatriates and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social support has a protective effect against psychological distress.
背景/目的：本研究旨在评估COVID-19大流行期间长期外籍人士的孤独感。方法：本研究为回顾性横断面研究，透过台湾疾控中心新南向健康中心之网站及健康教育活动，发放线上结构化问卷。从2022年8月到2023年8月，包括22名长期外籍员工和64名国内员工的数据。感兴趣的结果包括由简短症状评定量表-5 （bsr -5）测量的痛苦和由UCLA三项孤独量表（UT-ILS）测量的孤独感。审查的其他相关因素包括人口数据、外籍人士身份、社会因素、心理因素和与流行病有关的因素。采用Logistic回归分析来确定孤独和痛苦的预测因素和保护因素。结果：外籍人士（77.3%）的孤独感（UT-ILS≥4）显著高于国内居民（46.9%，P=0.014）。多变量分析显示，较高的心理困扰（OR = 1.19, p = 0.001）、较大的疫情影响（OR = 3.19, p = 0.036）和较少的每月联系亲属（OR = 0.82, p = 0.04）预示着孤独感。此外，亚分析发现，自尊水平较高（OR = 5.49, p = 0.003）和社会支持水平较低（OR = 0.80, p = 0.004）独立预测心理困扰（bsr -5≥6）。结论：2019冠状病毒病大流行期间，外籍人士和居民的孤独感与心理困扰、大流行影响和每月联系的亲属较少有关。社会支持对防止心理困扰有保护作用。
{"title":"Loneliness in long-term Taiwanese expatriates and domestic residents in the COVID-19 era: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Hung-Yu Chao , Che-Jui Chang , Ting-Ju Lai , Jaw-Shiun Tsai , Shao-Yi Cheng , Jen-Kuei Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102928","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102928","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the loneliness in long-term expatriates during the COVID-19 pandemic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective, cross-sectional study distributed an online structured questionnaire through the website and health education events of the New Southbound Health Center, established by Taiwan's CDC. The target population was Taiwanese employees expatriated to Southeast Asian countries and domestic employees, aged 20 years and older. From August 2022 to August 2023, the data of 22 long-term expatriates and 64 domestic employees were included. Outcomes of interest included distress, measured by the Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5 (BSRS-5), and loneliness, measured by the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UT-ILS). Other relevant factors examined included demographic data, expatriate status, social factors, psychological factors, and pandemic-related factors. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors and protectors of loneliness and distress.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Loneliness (UT-ILS ≥4) was significantly higher among expatriates (77.3 %) than domestic residents (46.9 %; P = 0.014). Multivariable analysis revealed that higher psychological distress (OR = 1.19, p = 0.001), greater impact of the pandemic (OR = 3.19, p = 0.036), and fewer relatives contacted monthly (OR = 0.82, p = 0.04) predicted loneliness. Additionally, sub-analysis found that higher levels of self-esteem (OR = 5.49, p = 0.003) and less social support (OR = 0.80, p = 0.004) independently predicted psychological distress (BSRS-5 ≥ 6).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Psychological distress, greater impact of the pandemic, and fewer relatives contacted monthly are associated with loneliness in expatriates and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social support has a protective effect against psychological distress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 102928"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145471948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102932
Nerea Castillo-Fernández , Manuel Jesús Soriano-Pérez , Ana B. Lozano-Serrano , José Vázquez-Villegas , Begoña del Moral-Hernández , María del Mar Lozano-Martínez , Silvia Milán-Gutiérrez , María Isabel Gálvez-Cano , Martina Lucía Fernández-López , Jaime Zevallos-Delgado , María Pilar Luzón-García , María Isabel Cabeza-Barrera , Jaime Borrego-Jiménez , Pablo Pumares-Fernández , Joaquín Salas-Coronas
Introduction
Understanding barriers to seeking and following pre-travel advice in Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travelers might enhance preventive behaviors before and during travel.
Methods
A mixed-method research with an explanatory sequential design among West African VFR travelers was conducted between 2019 and 2022 in an area with a high number of immigrants. Firstly, all travelers were advised to seek pre-travel advice and prospectively followed after the trip. Secondly, focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to explain results in more depth. Finally, quantitative and qualitative data were integrated.
Results
Eighty-eight travelers, mostly men (92 %), were prospectively followed. Main countries of origin were Mali (29.5 %) and Senegal (29.5 %). Fifty-three percent of travelers did not seek pre-travel advice at the vaccination center. Only 29.5 % took malaria chemoprophylaxis properly. Travelers visiting their home country for the first time, among others, were more likely to attend pre-travel advice (p < 0.005). No differences in risk activities and preventive measures were found between those who sought pre-travel advice and those who did not. Upon returning, 25 travelers (28.7 %) presented with some infectious diseases such as malaria (n = 10; 11.4 %). In the qualitative phase, most VFR travelers did not perceive returning home as a health risk and deemed pre-travel advice unnecessary and culturally inappropriate. Social and family pressure were significant barriers to follow preventive measures, perceiving them as an act of rejection towards their community.
Conclusions
Redesigning pre-travel counseling programs from a holistic approach is needed to improve communication and overcome barriers and cultural gaps. Community health workers, facilitated appointments and interventions through primary care may be helpful.
{"title":"Insights into barriers and adherence to pre-travel advice among West African travelers in Spain: A prospective mixed-methods evaluation","authors":"Nerea Castillo-Fernández , Manuel Jesús Soriano-Pérez , Ana B. Lozano-Serrano , José Vázquez-Villegas , Begoña del Moral-Hernández , María del Mar Lozano-Martínez , Silvia Milán-Gutiérrez , María Isabel Gálvez-Cano , Martina Lucía Fernández-López , Jaime Zevallos-Delgado , María Pilar Luzón-García , María Isabel Cabeza-Barrera , Jaime Borrego-Jiménez , Pablo Pumares-Fernández , Joaquín Salas-Coronas","doi":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102932","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102932","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Understanding barriers to seeking and following pre-travel advice in Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travelers might enhance preventive behaviors before and during travel.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A mixed-method research with an explanatory sequential design among West African VFR travelers was conducted between 2019 and 2022 in an area with a high number of immigrants. Firstly, all travelers were advised to seek pre-travel advice and prospectively followed after the trip. Secondly, focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to explain results in more depth. Finally, quantitative and qualitative data were integrated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eighty-eight travelers, mostly men (92 %), were prospectively followed. Main countries of origin were Mali (29.5 %) and Senegal (29.5 %). Fifty-three percent of travelers did not seek pre-travel advice at the vaccination center. Only 29.5 % took malaria chemoprophylaxis properly. Travelers visiting their home country for the first time, among others, were more likely to attend pre-travel advice (p < 0.005). No differences in risk activities and preventive measures were found between those who sought pre-travel advice and those who did not. Upon returning, 25 travelers (28.7 %) presented with some infectious diseases such as malaria (n = 10; 11.4 %). In the qualitative phase, most VFR travelers did not perceive returning home as a health risk and deemed pre-travel advice unnecessary and culturally inappropriate. Social and family pressure were significant barriers to follow preventive measures, perceiving them as an act of rejection towards their community.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Redesigning pre-travel counseling programs from a holistic approach is needed to improve communication and overcome barriers and cultural gaps. Community health workers, facilitated appointments and interventions through primary care may be helpful.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23312,"journal":{"name":"Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 102932"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145477029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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