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)