Mosquito-Borne Infections in International Travelers

Abstract

Mosquito-borne infections are a common cause of illness among returning travelers. Frontline healthcare providers should maintain a high degree of suspicion for these infections when evaluating ill returning travelers. This narrative review provides an overview of the most common mosquito-borne infections in travelers. We conducted a search of the medical literature for updates in the past 5 y. We reviewed resources of the US Centers for Disease Control (Yellow Book, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices), and US Food and Drug Administration. Arboviral infections and malaria are the most frequently diagnosed mosquito-borne infections in returning travelers. Among the mosquito-borne arboviral infections, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis are all vaccine preventable. Dengue fever, although the most common arboviral infection worldwide, does not yet have a vaccine approved for use in US travelers. The incidence of Zika virus infection has decreased substantially in recent years, including a reduced frequency of infections reported in travelers. The risk of mosquito-borne illnesses can be reduced by behavioral changes and use of insect repellent, screens, netting, and insecticide-impregnated clothing. Malaria can be further prevented through the appropriate use of chemoprophylaxis.

Keywords: chikungunya; dengue fever; malaria; mosquito-borne disease; travel; yellow fever.