Citation

Visser JT. J. Travel Med. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, International Society of Travel Medicine, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1093/jtm/taaa111

PMID

32657340

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prior to the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, cruise travel had experienced exponential growth in the preceding decade. Travel medicine practitioners were increasingly called upon to provide pre-cruise travel advice and medical clearance. Demand for these services will return at some time in the future.

METHODS: The clinical conditions seen in those presenting for care on 6 small vessel scientific cruises to Antarctica were analyzed.

RESULTS: Personnel presented on 196 occasions resulting in 257 consultations (when initial plus all follow up consultations were included). Personnel presented with a clinical condition at a rate of 17.9 per 1000 person days at sea. The total consultation rate was 23.5 per 1000 person days at sea. Injury accounted for 24% of all presentations at a rate of 4.3 per 1000 person days at sea. Dermatological, soft tissue and musculoskeletal, general malaise and motion sickness were the four most common presentations.

CONCLUSIONS: Pre-cruise advice for travelers planning small vessel cruises to polar regions needs to include skin care, prevention and management of sea sickness and how to reduce the risk of injury. Those providing medical care on such cruises should be prepared to manage a wide range of clinical presentations.

Language: en

Keywords

Antarctic Cruise; Antarctica; Cruise Medicine; Research Cruise