The tropics, a large and heavily inhabited area, are characterized by deep contrasts in sociopolitical, economic, and social development, which are reflected in the epidemiology of diseases. Common noncommunicable chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, coexist with acute infectious tropical diseases. Global warming, immigration, tourism, and commercial travel have helped spread tropical diseases to temperate zones by facilitating the spread of vectors, the infection of animal reservoirs, and the introduction of contaminated individuals into non-endemic areas.