Im traveling to a major city in a developed country. Is there really a risk to my health?
More travel-related deaths occur in developed countries because more people travel to developed countries than developing ones. A developed country is defined as having a Gross National Product of more than $2,000 per capita. 1% of deaths in travelers to developed countries are from infections. 49% are cardiovascular (like heart attacks). 22% are due to injury. The most common causes of death in all travelers are heart attack, stroke, motor vehicle accident and drowning. As in the United States, most motor vehicle accidents and drowning are associated with alcohol. Heres a general risk analysis: To put this in perspective, except for the increased risk of fatal injury, this risk is the same as if you stayed home. Back to top What are the risks of travel to developing countries? Travel to developing countries, defined by a Gross National Product of less than $2,000 per capita, carries a 40% risk of illness, usually gastro-intestinal or respiratory infection. One in 10 travelers will be
