-
For returning traveler, must think about:
- Geography - where they went and what is endemic there
- Incubation period
- What vaccinations they have had
- Exposures while there - including water, mosquitos, etc.
Posted 08/31/16 10:18:24 AM by Anna Krigel
-
- All routine vaccinations
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Meningitis - Ghana is part of the "meningitis belt" and requires vaccination in dry season (December - June)
Posted 08/31/16 10:22:19 AM by Anna Krigel
-
Diagnosis of malaria:
- Detection of parasites by light microscopy on Giemsa-stained blood smears (prepared thick and thin)
- Parasite density is determined and monitored on smear, can correlate with disease severity
- Parasite species is identified on smear (P. falciparum, P. vivax, O. ovale, P. malariae)
- Rapid diagnostic tests - detect one or more malaria parasite antigens (histidine-rich protein 2, Plasmodium LDH, or aldolase)
Posted 08/31/16 10:32:36 AM by Anna Krigel
-
Malaria prophylaxis in P. falciparum-resistant areas:
- atovaquone-proguanil - daily, more expensive than mefloquine, more desirable side effect profile
- mefloquine - weekly, less expensive but can cause vivid dreams
- doxycycline - daily, can cause sun sensitization, least expensive
Posted 08/31/16 11:02:01 AM by Anna Krigel
-
For further reading...
Posted 08/31/16 11:04:36 AM by Anna Krigel
Created by Christopher Kelly
Know a hypochondriac? Get them the best-selling book 'AM I DYING?!: A Complete Guide to Your Symptoms, and What to Do Next'
The information on the website does not constitute official guidelines except where explicitly stated.
It is not meant to replace the advice of a health professional.