Evaluation of fever in the international traveler

PREVIEW

As international travel increases in popularity, more primary care physicians are becoming involved in the evaluation and care of patients who present with a febrile illness after spending time abroad. The approach to diagnosis involves thorough history taking, including detailed and specific questions about the patient's travel itinerary and activities, and a careful physical examination. In this article, Dr Blair outlines steps to include in an initial laboratory evaluation and briefly discusses malaria and other infections that may be acquired during international travel.