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Travel-related infections.
Hans R House1, Jesmin P Ehlers
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, C43 GH, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. hans-house@uiowa.edu
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|April 15, 2008
Summary
Diagnosing exotic infections in returning travelers is crucial for emergency physicians. A thorough travel history aids in identifying risks for conditions like malaria, dengue fever, and typhoid fever, with traveler's diarrhea being most common.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- International travel is increasing, leading to a rise in infections among returning travelers.
- Emergency physicians face challenges in diagnosing and managing exotic infections acquired abroad.
- Common travel-related illnesses include malaria, dengue fever, typhoid fever, and traveler's diarrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide emergency physicians with a guide to diagnosing infections in travelers returning from international destinations.
- To highlight the importance of a detailed travel history in identifying potential exotic infections.
- To categorize common and rare travel-related conditions based on chief complaints.
Main Methods:
- Review of common and rare infections in international travelers.
- Categorization of conditions by presenting symptoms: fever, diarrhea, and rash.
- Emphasis on the diagnostic value of a comprehensive travel history.
Main Results:
- Traveler's diarrhea is the most frequently encountered travel-related infection.
- Malaria, dengue fever, and typhoid fever are significant exotic infections to consider.
- Systematic evaluation based on chief complaints aids in differential diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- A detailed travel history is essential for diagnosing infections in returning travelers.
- Emergency physicians should be aware of common and rare travel-related illnesses.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis can improve patient outcomes for travel-acquired infections.
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