Sick After Travel? Returning Traveller Illness — What to Do When You Get Back

Getting sick after travel is more common than most people realize

Approximately 15–20% of travellers to the developing world experience a travel-related illness. Most are self-limiting (traveller's diarrhea, mild respiratory infections) but some require prompt medical evaluation — particularly fever within weeks of returning from malaria-endemic regions.

Symptoms that need urgent medical evaluation

• Fever within 1 month of returning from Africa, India, or Southeast Asia: Malaria can be fatal if untreated. Fever within 1 month of return from a malaria-endemic region is a medical emergency until proven otherwise. Go to an emergency department — do not wait for a family doctor appointment.
• High fever + severe headache + stiff neck: Could indicate meningitis or other serious infection — emergency evaluation required.
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes): Could indicate Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, or other liver infection.

Symptoms that can usually wait a few days

• Diarrhea without blood, without high fever, gradually improving
• Mild respiratory illness
• Minor skin rash without fever

If mild symptoms persist beyond 1–2 weeks after return, see a physician and mention your travel history.

Tell your doctor where you travelled

Emergency physicians and family doctors may not think to ask. Always proactively say: "I just returned from [country] and have [symptom]." This changes the differential diagnosis significantly.

Malaria — the most important post-travel diagnosis to rule out

Malaria symptoms can appear weeks to months after returning from an endemic area, even if you took antimalarial medication. Symptoms include fever, chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches — similar to flu. If you have any fever within 3 months of returning from Africa, South Asia, or Southeast Asia, request a malaria blood test (thick and thin film) from the emergency department.

For pre-travel preparation to avoid this situation: book a consultation at Virtual Travel Clinic.

Sources: PHAC — Illness After Travel