History

There is a wide range of differentials to consider, and so it is vital to get a detailed history from the patient - particularly in terms of;

• symptoms
• countries visited
• activities that are done there
• whether malaria prophylaxis was taken
• if travel vaccinations were administered prior to travel.
• A sexual history may also be important in certain cases.

Common Syndromes

A useful approach is to generate a differential depending on the syndrome presented, and to consider the incubation periods for the possible organisms responsible. Examples of common syndromes include:

• Fever and a rash
• Fever and hepatosplenomegaly
• Fever and eosinophilia
• Fever and jaundice
• Dysenteric diarrhoea
• Non-dysenteric diarrhoea

Incubation Periods of Common Infections

• <1 week: Meningococcus, Diphtheria, Influenza, Scarlet Fever
• 1-2 weeks: Malaria, Dengue Fever, Typhoid, Measles.