Fever in a Returning Traveler

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)