Travel to developing countries: pre-departure medical advice.

Travelers to developing countries are at risk of contracting tropical infectious diseases that they or their physicians may be unfamiliar with. Proper pre-travel counsel should be given concerning general health risks that may be encountered abroad, immunizations, malaria prophylaxis and prevention and treatment of traveler's diarrhea. In Rhode Island, expert advice may be obtained at the Traveler's Clinics at the Miriam Hospital in Providence (401-274-3700 or 331-8500, ext. 4075) and the Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket (401-722-6000, ext. 2545). The Miriam Traveler's Clinic is open Wednesday (9-1) and all day Friday while the Memorial Traveler's Clinic is open Tuesday afternoon. These Traveler's Clinics are headed by Drs G.R. Olds and S.M. Opal, respectively.