Common Health Problems Linked to Travel in Developing Countries

Detailed information on common health problems associated with travel in developing countries.

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 in 5 international travelers based on the 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: 

  • Hepatitis (A, B, and C)

  • Gonorrhea

  • Animal bites with rabies

  • Typhoid and paratyphoid fever

  • HIV infection

  • Legionella infection

  • 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 website.