Evaluation of fever in the returned traveler

Fever in the returned traveler is becoming an increasingly important medica l problem as the number of international travelers continues to escalate. A lthough relatively few travelers actually develop a febrile illness, fever often indicates serious infection in this population. In travelers with an appropriate exposure history, malaria should be considered to be the cause of fever until proven otherwise and should be managed as a medical emergenc y. A careful geographic and exposure history and a complete physical examin ation are essential in order to establish a diagnosis. This article will ou tline the evaluation of the febrile traveler and discuss several of the mor e important infectious causes of the fever in this population.