J Korean Med Assoc.  2016 Jun;59(6):452-456. 10.5124/jkma.2016.59.6.452.

Differential diagnosis of tropical diseases in travelers

• Yeom JS

• KMID: 2305546
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2016.59.6.452

Abstract

Travel-related health problems such as febrile illness have been reported in many travelers going to developing countries. With the emergence of new infectious diseases occurring in many parts of the world and their spread worldwide, early diagnosis of emerging infectious diseases or tropical diseases has become a very important part of controlling these diseases. In doing so, the itinerary of the ill returning traveler is crucial to formulating a differential diagnosis because exposure to pathogens differs depending on the area of travel. With up-to-date information on infectious diseases occurring worldwide, a differential diagnosis can be made by adding information on duration of travel, incubation period, underlying medical illness, history of prophylactic vaccines received, and knowledge of the patient's exposures during travel including insect bites, contaminated food or water, or freshwater swimming. Some travelers may have specific symptoms and signs such as fever, rash, or hemorrhagic manifestations. For example, eosinophilia suggests a possible helminth infection. In this article, the general approach to returnning travelers with suspected tropical disease will be described.

Keyword

Travel; Travel medicine; Malaria; Dengue

MeSH Terms

Communicable Diseases
Communicable Diseases, Emerging
Dengue
Developing Countries
Diagnosis, Differential*
Early Diagnosis
Eosinophilia
Exanthema
Fever
Fresh Water
Helminths
Insect Bites and Stings
Malaria
Swimming
Travel Medicine
Vaccines
Water
Vaccines
Water

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