Fever in a Returning Traveler

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If a returning traveler has a fever, think malaria malaria malaria!!!

Step 1: Ask your patient if they have traveled within the last year

• If yes… You should at least CONSIDER malaria

Step 2: If patient says yes, take a travel history

• 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”

Step 3: Ask about prophylaxis

• Did they see a doctor before leaving?
• Did they take any immunizations or medicines prior to departure?
• Did they continue prophylaxis as instructed?

Step 4: Go to the CDC website

• Look up the country of concern
• Will help establish your differential

Step 5: Test for malaria

• If you are concerned that patient has malaria…
• Order thick and thin blood smear

Additional Reading

• CDC Yellow Book (CDC Website)