Med. praxi. 2012;9(5):227-229

Differential diagnosis of imported febrile conditions in primary care

doc.MUDr.Rastislav Maďar, Ph.D.

Očkovací centrum Avenier, Poliklinika Hrabůvka, Ostrava

An increased number of travellers to exotic areas of developing countries puts increased demands on primary care physicians. Delay in

correct diagnosis, isolation, and treatment may cause worsening of the patient's health condition with potential serious complications

and present a threat to the health and life of other people in the Czech Republic due to autochthonous transmission of the infection

within the country's territory. In addition to intestinal complaints, febrile conditions of varying aetiology are among the most frequent

health problems of Czech travellers to foreign countries. They often last several days and require thorough attention of general practitioners

after the traveller's return home. Effective cooperation between primary care physicians and specialized centres is of major

importance in the management of imported infectious diseases; however, an automatic referral of febrile travellers, following their return,

to a catchment specialized centre without attempting to manage the situation in a basic manner is not an ideal strategy. However,

unnecessary delay, on the other hand, may have fatal consequences.

Keywords: imported disease, diagnosis, prevention, febrile conditions, malaria

Published: May 31, 2012  Show citation