Malaria

1. most imp cause of fvr
2. plasmodium falciparum can be rapidly fatal and needs to be ruled out soon
3. p falciparum from sub Saharan Africa, 90% of pt have sx within 1 mo of return
4. p vivax- Asia and Latin, 50% pt have sx within 1 mo- 2% up to 1 yr out
5. chemoprophylaxsis does not guarantee protection
6. usually have fvr, but 10- 40% may not
7. fvr q 48- 72 hr pathognomic of vivax, ovale, malariae infc
8. can also have ha, cough, gi sx
9. check thick smear initially and if neg, repeat in 12- 24 hrs
10. thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly common
11. p falciparum unpredictable- admit and monitor for hypoglycemia
12. iv meds if renal, resp failure, ams, sx, shock, anemia, p falcip rbc load >4% in nonimmune pt

See Also

Travel Medicine