Table of Content

1. Introduction

2. Preparation for the travel

3. Typical ailments brought on by travel include

4. Identification of travel-related infections

5. Treatments

6. Conclusion

 

Introduction

With planning and prevention, travel-related illnesses and injuries can be decreased. Young people frequently travel abroad. Some people travel to Europe to study abroad, while others go on family vacations, safari in Africa, or work in medical missions in South America. Children may be exposed to infectious skin diseases that are common in the places they travel.

Preparation for the travel

Pre-travel preparation and consultation with a travel medicine expert are advised six weeks before the travel departure date. For many children and family members travelling, preventive medications (particularly against malaria) and vaccines are required. Children should wear suitable insect repellent while visiting places where malaria and other diseases spread by mosquitoes are common.

Typical ailments brought on by travel include:

• Diarrhea: Consuming tainted food and water is how most travellers develop diarrheal illnesses.

• Hepatitis A: The hepatitis A virus is responsible for the highly contagious liver ailment known as hepatitis A. It is typically contracted by eating tainted food and drink.

• Malaria: It is a parasitic disease that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

• Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs is as tuberculosis (TB). Person-to-person transmission occurs following extended stays overseas.

• Typhoid is a bacterial disease contracted through tainted food, water, or direct contact with an infected individual.

• Yellow fever: This virus infects mosquitoes, which bite humans to convey it to them.

• Japanese encephalitis: This virus is the most common cause of encephalitis that can be prevented by vaccination.

• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection is typically contracted by coming into touch with tainted fresh water, including that found in lakes, ponds, and waterfalls. Bacteria can be found in the urine of infected animals.

• Chikungunya: A mosquito bite from an infected animal transmits this virus to people.

• Rabies: People can contract this lethal illness via infected animals' saliva, generally through an animal bite.

Travel-related infectious disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Skin issues or rashes
• Fever
• Breathing infections
• Persistent cough

A pediatric travel medicine specialist should be consulted if a kid returns from vacation with symptoms that point to a travel-related infection.

Identification of Travel-Related Infections

Infectious disorders brought on by travel are frequently challenging to identify and frequently need to be examined by an infectious disease specialist.

Typical screening exams could consist of:

• CBC blood test, which counts and classifies the different types of white blood cells in the body
• A stool sample for pathogen testing (bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms that can cause an illness)
• Blood samples for parasite and malaria testing
• Blood samples for antigen tests for different microorganisms, like hepatitis viruses.

Treatments

The type of illness or syndrome a child has will determine the type of treatment they receive. Following a diagnosis, the doctor for your child will go through all available treatments in-depth with you.

Many bacterial infections brought on by travel call for antibiotic therapy. In the case of viral infections like dengue or chikungunya in children, the doctor will only advise supportive medication. Antiviral medication may occasionally be needed to treat influenza-related respiratory infections. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are two medications that can treat fever in children. A child with a fever who has just returned from a tropical nation needs to see a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

While most feverish diseases are straightforward viral infections, significant complications can arise with ailments like malaria and typhoid fever, necessitating immediate diagnosis and treatment. Some infections brought on by travel may need hospitalization.