Child health in international travel: A German airport survey.

BACKGROUND

Despite rising global mobility, pediatric travel medicine remains underrepresented. Children are particularly vulnerable to travel-related health risks, yet evidence suggests that preventive measures are inconsistently applied. This study aimed to obtain unfiltered data on pediatric travel medicine outside a medical setting in Germany, and identify existing gaps and resources.

METHODS

Between July 2024 and January 2025, face-to-face interviews with families returning from tropical or subtropical destinations were conducted in the baggage claim area at Frankfurt Airport. The survey collected data on travel profiles, medical preparation, behaviors and travel-related illnesses. In total, 200 families were included in the analysis, comprising 702 individuals, of whom 318 were children under 18 years.

RESULTS

While 109 (55 %) families had received pre-travel advice by a pediatrician or general practitioner (GP), only 29 (15 %) had been consulted by travel medicine specialists. The children of 138 (69 %) families had not received any vaccinations in preparation for their trip. Among 31 families at high risk of malaria, only 19 (61 %) administered chemoprophylaxis to their children. Seventeen families carried standby emergency treatment, some in addition to chemoprophylaxis. Children of 51 (26 %) families had medical problems during travel, mostly respiratory symptoms, fever, and diarrhea; only one child required hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatricians and GPs play a key role in travel consultation. The study reveals substantial shortcomings in pediatric travel preparation, particularly regarding vaccination and malaria prevention. To address these gaps, increased awareness among families, improved training for pediatricians and GPs, and clear and accessible pediatric-specific guidelines are urgently needed.