Travel to Developing Countries - General Health Precautions

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Highlights	Other Infectious Diseases	Resources
General Health Precautions	Travel Precautions	References
Traveler's Diarrhea	Traveling with Health Problems or While Pregnant

Depending upon travel destination, some countries may require vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies. Some of these diseases are covered in this report.

Other Preventive Recommendations

Tuberculosis: Travelers to areas with tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks should have skin tests before traveling; those with negative tests should have a repeat test 2 - 4 months after they return.

Malaria: Travelers to countries with malaria should take preventive drugs. Recommendations vary depending on destination, since resistance to different antimalaria drugs is widespread in some areas.

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Immunocompromised Patients: Immunocompromised patients may need to take extra precautions in addition to the recommendations in this report. Patients with a compromised immune system should discuss their travel plans with their physician.

Pregnancy: Recommendations regarding vaccination and travel medications may be different for pregnant women, and should be discussed with a physician. Pregnant women should have vaccinations appropriate to their trimester. Not all vaccinations and preventive medications are appropriate during pregnancy.

Meningococcal vaccine: A vaccine against one of the types of the bacteria that causes meningitis is recommended for travelers to areas in which the disease is common, such as sub-Saharan Africa. This vaccine is also required by the Saudi Arabian government for all travelers to Mecca during Hajj. Two types of the vaccine, MPSV4 and MCV4, are available in the United States. Children and adults under age 55 should receive the MCV4 vaccine. In the United States, all children ages 11 - 18 should receive this vaccine at the earliest opportunity, ideally between ages 11 and 12.