[Disease spectrum among guests and staff of an international luxury beach resort in the tropics].

BACKGROUND

Diseases of travelers upon returning home are described in numerous publications. However, we have limited data on the disease spectrum and the reasons for medical consultations during a trip.

METHODS

Over the period of one year, we analyzed all patient visits to the inhouse medical center of a major 5‑star beach resort of an international chain in the Maldives.

RESULTS

Around 6% of all guests sought medical consultation at least once during their stay. The main reasons for consultation were sea water induced external otitis and-in some cases-severe (2nd degree) sunburn. Staff presented mainly with viral nasopharyngitis in 20%, whereby guests had symptoms of the common cold in only 7% of all consultations. The occurrence of gastroenteritis was similar in both groups and was associated in most cases with seawater but was much lower compared to the region's epidemiological data. A high incidence of allergic reactions (7%) was recognized in both groups, being more than doubled among guests compared to staff. A considerable number of complaints caused by insects and sea organisms as well as a few drowning accidents were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Despite the high international 5‑star standards, there is a considerable probability for a medical consultation during the stay in a tropical beach hotel setting. However, environmental and behavioral factors are the main causes of sickness among guests.