West Midlands named worst for common travel-related illness and reason why
The region recorded the highest number of travel-related gastrointestinal (GI) infections in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
There were 477 cases in the West Midlands, representing 17.6% of the total cases in England.
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The UKHSA said the main bugs causing these infections include cryptosporidium, giardia and salmonella – generally picked up from infected water and food.
However the region also recorded the second highest rate of enteric fever (typhoid/paratyphoid) nationally, with 67 cases.
These illnesses are caused by things like salmonella bacteria, which is more common in countries with less developed sanitary facilities.
They can be spread through food and drink, including shellfish affected by sewage entering drinking water.
However infections are preventable in all of these cases.
Meanwhile, malaria also remains a significant risk for people travelling to endemic areas, with the West Midlands accounting for around 9% of UK cases in 2023 (181 out of 2,106), an increase of 27% on 2022.
The reasons for travelling cited by UK cases were visiting friends and relatives (74%), travelling for holiday (20%) and travelling for work (6%).
Elsewhere, travel-related measles cases have increased significantly since 2022, reflecting global trends of the disease and increasing levels of travel following the pandemic, with children under 10 most affected.
Recent outbreaks have been seen in several other European countries including Romania, France, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands.
Katie Spence, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director West Midlands, said: "The West Midlands is a central transport hub and has a diverse population, so there is a lot of international travel, increasing risk of travel-related infections.
"The main infections we are seeing in the region are gastrointestinal and enteric fever, which are preventable, with risk greatly reduced by practicing good hand hygiene and making sure fresh food is rinsed well in clean water.
"Measles remains an ongoing risk, both in England and abroad, particularly for children, so it's important to make sure everyone is up to date with their MMR vaccines.
"Certain countries also require specific vaccinations, so you should arrange these with your GP surgery in good time before travelling.
"The Travel Health Pro website, has detailed country-specific information, including what vaccines to get, any important medication such as malaria tablets, and how to avoid traveller's diarrhoea and other serious gastrointestinal infections.
"We want everyone in the West Midlands to enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season, whether at home or abroad.
"So whether you're visiting family and friends, taking a mini-break, going somewhere you know well or a more exotic location, there are simple steps you can take before, during and after travel to reduce your risk of picking up an unwanted infection, ruining your trip and having to take time off work or school when you get back.
"From vaccinations to basic hygiene, practising safe sex, and being aware of symptoms, there are easy ways to stay well."
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