Travel Medicine Advisor Archives – December 1, 2004
December 1, 2004
View Archives Issues
-
Malaria Risk in Travelers
The GeoSentinel surveillance database was examined to identify patient and travel characteristics associated with the acquisition of malaria. Travel to sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania had the highest relative risk for acquisition of malaria infections. The most common reason for travel among malaria patients was to visit friends and relatives (VFR). -
Reducing Deaths From Malaria
Death occurred in about 1 per 100 cases of malaria diagnosed in U.S. travelers from 1963 to 2001, and many factors contribute to death from malaria. Most were preventable, and people returning home to visit friends and relatives have now become the leading risk group for malaria-related deaths. -
Acute Mountain Sickness Prevention: How Much Acetazolamide is Needed?
A recent study suggests that 250 mg doses of acetazolamide might be more effective than 125 mg doses in combating acute mountain sickness. Nonetheless, the applicability of these findings to travelers reaching high altitudes remains unclear. -
A Rifaximin Review From The Medical Letter
The Medical Letter describes rifaximin as one alternative to a quinolone antibiotic for treatment of travelers diarrhea, while noting that for severe diarrhea a fluoroquinolone is preferred.