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Fever in the returned traveler

G T Strickland1

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore.

The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing febrile infections in travelers requires prompt medical attention and skilled physicians. This guide offers practical clues for identifying "exotic" tropical diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Traveler's Health

Background:

  • Febrile illnesses in travelers to tropical regions pose significant health risks if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
  • Common febrile illnesses in temperate climates can also occur, alongside potentially life-threatening "exotic" infections.
  • The differential diagnosis for fever in travelers is broad, encompassing numerous infectious agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide physicians with practical strategies for diagnosing febrile illnesses in international travelers.
  • To highlight key diagnostic clues derived from patient exposure history, clinical presentation, and associated symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of potential causes of fever in travelers.
  • Emphasis on utilizing patient's travel history and exposure information.
  • Correlation of symptoms, signs, and symptom complexes with specific diagnoses.

Main Results:

  • Identifies common and "exotic" febrile infections relevant to travelers.
  • Outlines a systematic approach to diagnosis based on clinical data.
  • Provides practical clues to differentiate between various causes of fever.

Conclusions:

  • Timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy are crucial for managing febrile infections in travelers.
  • Physicians must consider a wide range of potential pathogens, including tropical diseases.
  • A thorough evaluation incorporating exposure, symptoms, and signs aids in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

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