Holiday Travel and Health: The Importance of Patient Travel History for Disease Prevention

Wow, the year has flown by, and the holidays are right around the corner! Many people take this time to travel both across the United States and internationally to connect with family and friends. However, it’s essential to be aware that communicable diseases not commonly found in Kentucky may be circulating in areas where travelers have been. This underscores the importance of conducting a thorough travel history for anyone seeking care. For instance, the Oropouche virus is present in Cuba, and there are reports of measles outbreaks in the United Kingdom. While some global outbreaks, like the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, prompt airport screenings, this is not always the case. Gathering a complete travel history helps the care team understand the full context and tailor a plan that meets the patient’s needs effectively. For more information on travel health and current global outbreaks, please visit the CDC link below.

Travelers’ Health Most Frequently Asked Questions | Travelers’ Health | CDC

Destinations | Travelers’ Health | CDC

Travelers’ Health | CDC