ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of a 23-year-old man who has returned from Vietnam and presents to the Emergency Department. He complains of high fevers, mild headache and copious loose stools with traces of blood. The patient has signs and symptoms of dysentery following a trip abroad. Investigation of the returned traveller requires a systematic approach as tests will need to be tailored to the clinical presentation and suspected diagnosis. The most likely diagnosis for this patient is typhoid fever. There is the presence of systemic fever, bloody diarrhoea and a rash referred to as 'rose' spots. Typhoid fever is associated with complications such as intestinal perforation, myocarditis and meningitis. Surgical consultations should be obtained if complications are suspected. This patient will need repeat stool testing after treatment as there can be chronic carriage in the gallbladder. The best form of protection for travellers is vaccination prior to travel.
