The Riley Hospital for Children Travel Medicine Center at Indiana University Health, under the directorship of Dr. John C. Christenson, is devoted to the prevention of travel-related medical problems in the young international traveler and to evaluating and treating pediatric travel-related illnesses.
Children travel to international destinations for diverse reasons. They often accompany their parents on business trips or family visits and for humanitarian activities. Other children may travel independently with organized groups or as exchange students. Visits may be brief or for extended periods. All travel has the potential for exposing young travelers and family members to illnesses endemic to the geographic regions to which they travel. Many of these conditions are relatively unfamiliar to most practitioners. The most common of these illnesses include malaria, hepatitis A, diarrheal disease, typhoid fever, yellow fever, tuberculosis and a variety of parasitic infections. Illnesses may be transmitted from person to person or through food or water. Most can be prevented by education directed at avoiding exposure, using preventive medications and, in some instances, by receiving specialized vaccines.
We have broad experience in travel-related medical issues at the Pediatric Travel Medicine Clinic at Riley. Families can receive extensive education in preparation for travel, including up-to-the-minute medical issues prevalent in locations included in the family's itinerary. Additionally, we offer the appropriate medications, vaccines and most importantly, advice needed to protect travelers. We provide care for children of all ages, as well as for the accompanying adult family members.
Our director, Dr. Christenson, has clinical expertise in broad areas of international medicine and is skilled in evaluating illnesses that may affect young travelers. He has Certificates of Knowledge from the International Society of Travel Medicine and the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene.
Contact Us
We are available for consultation and evaluation of illnesses that may be related to travel to other parts of the world.
For an appointment with the Pediatric Travel Medicine Clinic or to speak to a pediatric travel medicine specialist, please call 317.944.7260.
In the event of illness during non-office hours, please call 317.944.5000 and ask for the on-call pediatric infectious disease physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need any special vaccines for this trip?
All travelers should have up-to-date vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles. Yellow fever is present in many countries in South America and Africa, and receiving the yellow fever vaccine will protect against this mosquito-transmitted infection. Some countries may require it for entry. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travel to all developing countries. Typhoid fever vaccine is recommended for travel to South Asia. Travelers to parts of Africa should receive the meningoccal vaccine.
Are insect repellents safe for children?
If used appropriately, insect repellents can be used safely on young children. Repellent prevents mosquito bites that could transmit yellow fever, malaria or dengue fever. For most travels to tropical countries, an insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET is appropriate. It should be applied to exposed skin as a very thin layer. It should not be applied underneath clothing, or near the mouth and eyes. It should not be applied to the hands of young children. DEET-containing wristbands and some natural-ingredient products are not sufficiently protective to be recommended. Their use should be discouraged if traveling to tropical countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Will my child need medicines against malaria?
The risk of acquiring malaria during a trip will depend on the country visited. Malaria is not present in all countries, nor is it in every region within a country. The type of malaria may vary as well. For most countries within tropical Africa and South America, a medication such as mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil is recommended. Dosing for young children is available. Doxycycline cannot be used in children under 8 years of age. Chloroquine can be used for travel to Central America.
Is traveler's diarrhea a problem?
Most travelers will have an uneventful, enjoyable trip. Unfortunately, traveler's diarrhea is a common travel-related medical problem. Travel to developing countries for prolonged periods of time increases the risk. Travelers must be careful in what they eat and drink. Eating well-cooked foods will diminish the risk. Drinking bottled water is safer than using tap water. Tap water should not be used for brushing of teeth or for taking pills. Ice and raw vegetables and fruits should be avoided. If staying with family, precautions can be taken to minimize risks. Hand washing can also reduce the chances of developing diarrhea.