Fever in a Returning Traveler

Summary: <br> If a returning traveler has a fever, think malaria malaria malaria!!!<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 1: Ask your patient if they have traveled within the last year<br> <br> <br> <br> * If yes… You should at least CONSIDER malaria<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 2: If patient says yes, take a travel history<br> <br> <br> <br> * When did they go* Where did they stay* Where they exposed to anything concerning* Mosquitos* Animals* Weird foods* Sexual partners* Sick people* Where they in developed/tourist areas or “off the trail”<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 3: Ask about prophylaxis<br> <br> <br> <br> * Did they see a doctor before leaving?* Did they take any immunizations or medicines prior to departure?* Did they continue prophylaxis as instructed?<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 4: Go to the CDC website<br> <br> <br> <br> * Look up the country of concern* Will help establish your differential<br> <br> <br> <br> Step 5: Test for malaria<br> <br> <br> <br> * If you are concerned that patient has malaria…* Order thick and thin blood smear<br> <br> <br> <br> Additional Reading<br> <br> <br> <br> * CDC Yellow Book <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home-2014">(CDC Website)</a><br>