Fever in Returning Traveler - Resident Journal Review

Image Credit: Pixabay

Authors: Megan Donohue, MD MPH; Phil Magidson, MD MPH; Erica Bates, MD; Adeolu Ogunbodede, MD; Mark Sutherland, MD; Akilesh Honasoge, MD
Editors: Michael C. Bond, MD FAAEM and Kelly Maurelus, MD FAAEM
Originally Published: Common Sense November/December 2016

With increasing frequency of international travel, EMPs often find themselves caring for travelers who return ill. According to the International Society of Travel Medicine global surveillance network, fever was the chief complaint in approximately one third of ill travelers. The care of these patients may be challenging given the broad differential diagnosis that must be considered, including many illnesses that are uncommon in the US. This article provides a review of the literature on the epidemiology of febrile illness in the returning traveler and offers an approach to the initial evaluation, management, and diagnosis.