Recognition and management of pediatric travel-associated infectious diseases in the emergency department

Abstract

Global travel has made travel-associated infectious diseases (TAIDs) a more frequent consideration in the pediatric emergency department. Studies show that physicians may either omit a travel history or, even with a positive travel history, do not consider potentially serious illnesses, such as dengue and malaria. A thorough travel history including the purpose, location, activities, diet, and exposures can help the emergency clinician develop and narrow the differential diagnosis. This issue reviews the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of various TAIDs, with the goal of early recognition and disease-specific treatment.