Reported illness and compliance in US travelers attending an immunization facility

Two hundred fourteen international travelers were retrospectively interviewed by telephone. The incidence of diarrhea was found to be highest in East Africa (44%) and Southeast Asia (42%). Other reported illnesses were rare, the highest incidence occurring in China with four upper respiratory tract infections reported among ten travelers. Antimalarial compliance was assessed and found to be age-related, with noncompliance reported in 41% of patients younger than 40 years and in only 19% of patients older than 40 years. Eight of 35 women who were receiving chloroquine phosphate reported menstrual irregularities. Further investigation of this possible association is underway. We continue to stress compliance with antimalarial medication.