Healthy Living

Common Health Problems Linked to Travel in Developing Countries

Choose a preferred language

Some of the most common health problems linked with travel to developing countries are:

  • Traveler's diarrhea. This is by far the most common risk. It affects up to 4 out of 5 international travelers, based on their destination.
  • Enterotoxic E. coli diarrhea.
  • Malaria.
  • Acute febrile respiratory tract infections.
  • Influenza.

Less common infections may also be a risk in certain areas. Some are related to sexual contact with an infected person. Less common infections include:

  • Hepatitis (A, B, and C).
  • Gonorrhea.
  • Animal bites with rabies.
  • Typhoid and paratyphoid fever.
  • HIV.
  • Legionella.
  • Cholera.
  • Meningococcal disease.
  • Dengue fever.
  • Prion diseases.
  • Yellow fever.
  • Tuberculosis.
  • SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
  • Poliomyelitis.
  • COVID-19.

For the most current CDC travel advisories, visit the CDC Traveler's Health website.

Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Date Last Reviewed: 09/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Suitcase Icon

Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health

Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.

Explore Services
Newspaper Icon

Get Health Tips & Updates

Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Staying Healthy While You Travel

Detailed information on health preparations before you travel and during travel

Read article
Wellness
Traveling with a Chronic Condition

Any trip needs advance planning so you can be comfortable and lower your risk for worsening symptoms.

Read article
Wellness
Stay Awake Behind the Wheel

When you're behind the wheel, you may believe that you can stop yourself from falling asleep, but you can't. You may not even know you've dozed off. Here are some important tips to help stay alert.

Read article
Wellness
Travel Vaccine Planning

Review your vaccine history with your doctor. Also be sure that infants and children are on schedule with their vaccine series.

Stethoscope Icon

Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

Find A Doctor
Appointments Icon

Make an Appointment

Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.

Schedule an Appointment
Cross Icon

Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location

Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.

Find Urgent Care