A case of fever in a returning traveler

Abstract

After the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, international travel has demonstrated recovery to prepandemic levels. Travel, particularly to tropical regions, can be associated with contracting various infectious diseases. For this reason, collecting a travel history is a necessity when assessing any patient with vague infectious symptoms, most notably fever. Early suspicion, identification, and treatment of tropical illnesses can be lifesaving. This case study concerns a patient who recently traveled to Africa and is under evaluation for fever in the emergency department. The proper approach to the febrile traveler and the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria are reviewed.