Travel health. Part 3: illness in the returning traveller.

A significant number of travellers present for medical advice each year on return from overseas travel, and it is in the primary care setting where many of these will be seen. While most of the conditions will be familiar to those in general practice, there are some travel-associated infections (e.g. malaria) which, if left untreated, can lead to rapid deterioration and death. It is important, therefore, to be able to appreciate and recognize travel-associated diseases, which require prompt attention, and those that need referral for specialist expertise. This article reviews a range of health problems typically seen in returned travellers, their investigation and management. Details of the Hospital for Tropical Diseases post-tropical screening protocol for asymptomatic returned travellers are outlined.