Infectious Diseases
An estimated 15 - 45% of short-term travelers experience a health problem associated with their trip. And even more travelers to developing countries, including young adults, can expect to experience some health problem.
Virtually any place in the world can be reached within 36 hours, less than the incubation period for most infectious diseases. The ease with which people see the world has dramatically increased the number of foreign travelers. Respiratory infections, such as influenza and colds, develop in between 10 - 25% of travelers. Women traveling to the tropics are at high risk for urinary tract infections.
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Even worse, doctors in Western countries are now seeing infectious diseases never before encountered. Travelers are at risk both from infections transmitted from person to person and by insects (vector-borne diseases). Malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, is the most widespread and infects between 300 to 500 million people world wide annually. Between 10,000 and 30,000 of these cases occur in travelers. Anyone traveling to high-risk countries should take precautions.
Common Vector-Borne Diseases
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Disease
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Countries of Infection
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Severity and Symptoms
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Treatment and Prevention
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Malaria
Parasite transmitted by anopheles mosquitoes.
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The world's number one infection. Found in every tropical or subtropical country in the world.
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Initial symptoms are flu-like, with possible nausea and vomiting. The skin may appear yellow. Without prompt treatment, can be fatal. Typically develops 10 to 30 days following exposure. Symptoms can occur for up to a year or more. People who have been in malarial countries should report fever or other symptoms plus travel information to their doctor even months after they return.
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