The epidemiology of illness and injury during the 2010 taipei international flora exposition

The aim of this study was to investigate the demographics, types and causes of illness and injury, and risk factors for serious illness and injury among visitors at the 2010 Taipei International Floral Exposition. Methods: During the 171-day period from November 6lh to April 25^th 2011, 8,963,666 people visited the Exposition. There were four medical stations located in parks in Yuanshan, Arts, Xinsheng, and Dajia-Riverside during the Exposition period. Of these visitors, 11,489 people received medical services, and 470 of them were sent to a hospital for further treatment. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with serious illness and injury. Results: The medical usage rate was 7.5 per million person-days, and the rate of ambulance to hospital usage was 2.3 per 10,000 patient-days. The three most prevalent illnesses were gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, and flu, while the three most prevalent injuries were abrasions/lacerations, strained muscles/contusions/sprains, and burns/sunburns/blisters. Serious illnesses were associated with a population density of <124 persons per 100 m2, and the time periods of November and December 2010, and January to March 2011. Serious injuries were associated with age over 70, morning sessions, rain, a population density of <57 persons per 100 m², and the time periods November and December, 2010 and March, 2011. Conclusions: We suggest that the occurrences and severity of illness and injury be monitored during an exposition in order to provide immediate and effective medical interventions.