Title: Leading Preventable Killer of Travellers to Developing Countries<br/>Author: Jon Mark Hirshon<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/96/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
<strong>Injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
Approximately 5.8 million deaths annually</li>
<li>
90% occur in lower and middle income countries</li>
</ul>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<strong>Injuries are the leading cause of preventable death in travelers</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
Cause 18%–24% of deaths among U.S. travelers</li>
<li>
From 2011-2013, an estimated 2,466 US citizens traveling in foreign countries died from non-natural causes, such as injuries and violence
<ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
<li>
Excluded the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Main causes for non-natural deaths among Americans are:
<ul style="list-style-type:circle;">
<li>
Motor vehicle crashes (n= 621, 25%)- the single largest cause</li>
<li>
Homicide (n=555, 23%),</li>
<li>
Suicide (n=392, 16%),</li>
<li>
Drowning (n=309, 13%)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<strong>Bottom Line: </strong>Stay safe while travelling. The same safety habits used in the US, such as wearing your seatbelt or not drinking and driving, are important patterns while traveling.</p>
<fieldset><legend>References</legend>
<p>
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/the-pre-travel-consultation/injury-prevention</p>
</fieldset>