Most holidaymakers are not aware of the health risks they face abroad, even in the most popular destinations, because official advice is not reaching them, according to a report from the Foreign Policy Centre.

The research by the European think-tank found that only 9 per cent of travellers could name a health threat on their trip, from sunburn to malaria, and only 2 per cent of holidaymakers consult the Foreign Office (FO), before their departure.

The failure to take the necessary precautions abroad could lead to devastating epidemics which can be disastrous for both individual health and the global economy. The growing intensity and complexity of travel patterns means controlling health problems is becoming even more difficult. Recent outbreaks of Sars and bird flu in the Far East have shown that even relatively small outbreaks can have a great impact on countries' economies and the travel industry, set to be the world's largest industry by 2010.

In 2002, Britons made 60 million trips abroad, and around 30-50 per cent fell ill, though most cases were minor complaints such as sunburn.

The 'Healthy Travel' report recommends major changes in the way travellers are advised about health abroad. Worldwide studies have shown GPs often give inadequate travel health advice that is not up-to-date, many people assume they will be told about health risks and don't realise they should seek advice themselves, and most brochures don't contain health information.

The report suggested that instead of relying on the For eign Office to give advice, travel agents, insurers, the media and guide books should all pass on health information. It said there should be more projects along the lines of the 'Know Before You Go' campaign which asks travel companies to pass on FO advice to customers.

But it said advisers should not be overly scrutinised in case they stopped publishing warnings, and travellers should be aware there is always an element of uncertainty in any health warning. Equally, the report said that too many warnings might mean tourists would stop paying attention to them.

It said the responsibility of the individual to make their own decisions regarding health, and that of the advisers should be officially defined, otherwise people would start taking legal action over incorrect advice.

See www.fco.gov.uk for FO advice, or visit www.masta.org which gives information on relevant vaccinations and health precautions for travellers.