Travelers' Diseases
Advance planning can help prevent many travelers’ diseases. Prior to a trip, people should consult with their doctor and verify that they have been vaccinated for diseases such as mumps, measles, rubella, polio, and tetanus and if any boosters are needed to maintain a protective level of antibodies. They should discuss their travel plans and get additional vaccinations as recommended for diseases such as hepatitis A and yellow fever. If they are going to go to areas where malaria is prevalent, they will usually be given chemoprophylaxis, such as mefloquine or chloroquine, to begin taking prior to their trip. These medications will need to be taken regularly during the trip and for a specified time period after the traveler’s return. Some doctors may give their patients antimicrobial agents to take with them along with instructions on how and when they should be taken if symptoms appear during their trip.
Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have current information on traveler health and preventative strategies. They also have up-to-date country and region-specific travelers’ disease information (see Related Pages).
In spite of taking every precaution, travelers may still become ill, either during their trip or several months after they have returned home. In general, the earlier that travelers’ diseases are detected and diagnosed, the easier they are to treat. Travelers should know which symptoms signal the need to seek prompt medical care in the country they are visiting and which may be safely self-medicated. For several months after their return home, they should note any symptoms that occur and bring them to their doctor’s attention.
