Overseas outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease 2018

​​​This report presents information from the surveillance system that HPS uses to collect and disseminate information on potential outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease believed to have been acquired abroad. A potential outbreak of infectious intestinal disease occurring abroad is defined as two or more confirmed cases of infection or at least one confirmed case where others are alleged to have bee​n ill.

​In 2018, information was circulated concerning 57 potential outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease in persons returning to Scotland from abroad. This was an increase when compared to the 35 potential overseas outbreaks reported in 2017. Between 2003 and 2018 the average number of potential overseas outbreaks was 57 but with considerable year on year variation.​​