Journal of travel medicine
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Imported malaria is an important problem in nonendemic countries due to increasing travel to and immigration from malaria-endemic countries. Plasmodium vivax malaria is relatively common in travelers but there are few published data regarding the outcome of P. vivax malaria in this group. ⋯ We have presented details of the epidemiology, clinical presentation and management of infection with P. vivax malaria in travelers. P. vivax malaria is an important cause of morbidity in travelers, and relapse following primaquine treatment is especially problematic with P. vivax malaria acquired in PNG.
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An estimated 50 million people each year from industrialized countries visit tropical areas: 3% to 11% of these travelers report a febrile illness on their return. We conducted a 5-year prospective observational study on the causes of fever in patients admitted to a university teaching hospital after returning from the tropics. ⋯ During a 5-year period, the number of patients returning from tropical areas who were admitted with fever to a university hospital in northern Italy remained stable; malaria was the most frequent diagnosis, and should be considered in any febrile patient returning from the tropics. With the exception of hepatitis A and dengue fever infections, in a real-world setting serology is of modest utility and is probably overused.
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The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia brings over two million people to a small confined area. Respiratory tract infection is the most common disease transmitted during this period. For most of the etiologic agents of upper respiratory tract infections, no vaccine or prophylaxis is available, except for influenza. Yearly influenza vaccination of high-risk groups is recommended, but no special recommendations are available for those performing the Hajj or other similar large congregational activities. Viral surveillance studies are being carried out through more than 100 centers around the world to identify newly emerging viruses. Saudi Arabia is not one of those centers and no routine surveillance takes place. ⋯ The findings from this study suggest a high incidence of influenza as a cause of upper respiratory tract infection among pilgrims, estimated to be 24,000 cases per Hajj season, excluding those becoming ill from contact with Hajj pilgrims returning home. They also indicate a very low vaccination rate for the influenza vaccine; as well as poor knowledge of its existence. Continued surveillance during the Hajj pilgrimage is necessary. The influenza vaccine should be a priority for those attending the Hajj pilgrimage, and should also be considered for antiviral prophylaxis.