[Fever upon return from the tropics]

Tropical infections are responsible for about half of the febrile episodes among travelers coming back from (sub-)tropical areas. Among these, the infections requiring urgent therapy must be recognized in priority. Without early and specific therapy, malaria may rapidly become lethal. This infection must therefore be searched by repeated blood smears. If negative, typhoid fever, amoebic liver abscess or rickettsial infection are frequent and may also be lethal if left untreated. The diagnostic approach of a febrile illness in a traveler coming back from the tropics is developed.