Journal of travel medicine
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Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a frequent cutaneous disease among travelers returning from the tropics. It can be misdiagnosed or treated incorrectly. ⋯ The condition was late diagnosed and secondarily efficiently cured by a unique administration of ivermectin. Simple anamnestic information--often revealing beach activities--and clinical aspect of the creeping eruption allow to prevent diagnosis delay and to avoid aggressive or inadequate intervention.
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The Irukandji syndrome is a jellyfish envenomation caused by Carukia barnesi or related jellyfish. In literature, the distribution of "Irukandji-like" syndromes is restricted to Australia. We report a case of probable Irukandji syndrome in Thailand. With this report, we hope to promote awareness to aid sting prevention and stimulate research.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A randomized, controlled field trial for the prevention of jellyfish stings with a topical sting inhibitor.
Jellyfish stings are a common occurrence among ocean goers worldwide with an estimated 150 million envenomations annually. Fatalities and hospitalizations occur annually, particularly in the Indo-Pacific regions. A new topical jellyfish sting inhibitor based on the mucous coating of the clown fish prevents 85% of jellyfish stings in laboratory settings. The field effectiveness is unknown. The objective is to evaluate the field efficacy of the jellyfish sting inhibitor, Safe Sea. ⋯ Safe Sea is a topical barrier cream effective at preventing >80% jellyfish stings under real-world conditions.
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Migrants form 9% of Germany's population and 13% of its capital Berlin. Only limited data are available regarding general health status and prevalence of tropical diseases among migrants in Germany. This study was conducted to investigate the spectrum and frequency of tropical diseases among migrants in Berlin and to evaluate the quality of the medical care provided. The necessity of a routine screening for tropical diseases among migrants was assessed. ⋯ The high proportion of delayed diagnosis and treatment indicates a lack of medical service for migrants. While this clearly translates into increased health risks for the individual patient, it also indicates a potential risk for transmission of communicable diseases in the community. The lack of a correlation between symptoms and detected infectious disease indicates the need for a standardized routine screening examination in all migrants.
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In the Netherlands, cases of imported malaria peaked in the late 1990s to around 500 (60% Plasmodium falciparum) annually. About 30% to 40% of all cases and 57% to 69% of the falciparum cases presented in the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam. In 1991 to 1994, a shift in population groups to more semi-immune patients, mostly settled immigrants visiting friends and relatives (VFRs), was noticed, when compared to 1979 to 1988. This study shows the ongoing trend in 2000 to 2002. ⋯ During 2000 to 2002, the total number of patients with falciparum malaria was steadily decreasing due to a decrease in nonimmune patients. The number of semi-immune patients, mostly VFRs and visitors, remained stable. The increasing use of more convenient chemoprophylactic drugs, like atovaquone/proguanil, appears to improve compliance in those who can afford the drug.