Tropical illnesses threaten travelers abroad

A look at serious health problems travelers can face after tropical trips and what it means for safety, costs and prevention.

Tropical Illnesses Threaten Travelers Abroad

Four travelers recount serious illnesses tied to trips to distant destinations. Dengue fever in Mexico led to severe bleeding and hospitalisation, while a Dominican Republic holiday brought a three-year battle with lasting digestive symptoms. Other cases include a dog bite in Thailand raising rabies concerns and food poisoning in Egypt during pregnancy. Health experts describe dengue as a common risk in travellers, with symptoms that can escalate when complications occur. They also stress that illnesses like shigella and salmonella are preventable with careful food handling and good hygiene.

These stories highlight how health risks travel with tourism, not just the upfront cost of a trip. The spread of diseases beyond tropical zones shows climate and travel patterns reshaping risk. For travellers, this means plan for health costs, carry appropriate insurance and seek medical advice quickly if symptoms appear. For health systems, it underscores the need for clear guidance at the point of return and stronger hotel and food safety practices abroad.

Highlights

Health safety travels with you on every trip, not just in the moment you land home.