This has a side benefit to the patient -- eliminating the number and types of testing you may undergo. There are some diseases with differing treatments that have very similar symptoms, so your doctor will want to know if you have malaria or potentially dengue fever.
The GeoSentinel Surveillance Network reported in 2013 that certain diseases were more prevalent in some countries than others. Travelers in sub-Saharan Africa were more likely to get malaria, while those in Southeast Asia who complained of a fever were more likely to have dengue fever.
How long you’ve been traveling is also key to determining whether you will get sick. Medical professionals stay abreast of outbreaks in certain regions and may be aware of clusters that have occurred in areas that you’ve visited.
Pre-Travel Immunizations
When heading out of the United States, it’s important to determine which vaccinations you may need. Different countries have different requirements and may not admit you if you can’t present proper documentation. For example, heading to sub-Saharan Africa will require that you immunize against yellow fever. Because some vaccinations require several doses and are administered over days or weeks, it’s important to determine your needs and plan accordingly before booking your arrangements, particularly because your body will also need some time to adapt to the preventive medications being administered.