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การให้คำปรึกษาเรื่องมาลาเรียในนักท่องเที่ยว

                      การป้องกันมาลาเรียเป็นสิ่งสำคัญสำหรับนักเดินทาง/นักท่องเที่ยวทุกคนที่เข้าไปในพื้นที่ที่มีการแพร่ระบาดของโรคมาลาเรีย แม้ว่าโอกาสที่นักเดินทาง/นักท่องเที่ยวจะติดโรคมาลาเรียจะไม่สูงมาก แต่เนื่องจาดโรคมาลาเรียเป็นโรคที่อันตราย ทำให้เสียชีวิตได้ โดยเฉพาะในรายที่ไม่ได้รับการรักษาอย่างทันท่วงที นักเดินทาง/นักท่องเที่ยวทุกคนจึงควรมีความรู้เรื่องโรคมาลาเรียและการป้องกันก่อนการเดินทาง

อ่านข้อมูลเบื้องต้นเกี่ยวกับโรคมาลาเรียได้จากบทความนี่

 

              ที่คลินิกนักท่องเที่ยว แพทย์จะพิจารณาความจำเป็นในการใช้ยาป้องกันมาลาเรียในนักท่องเที่ยวเป็นรายๆไป นักเดินทาง/นักท่องเที่ยวส่วนใหญ่อาจจะไม่จำเป็นต้องกินยาป้องกันมาลาเรีย แต่มีบางรายที่ควรจะกินยาป้องกันมาลาเรีย โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่ง นักท่องเที่ยวที่เดินทางเข้าไปในทวีปแอฟริกา ปาปัวนิวกินี หรือเข้าไปในพื้นที่ที่มีการระบาดอย่างหนัก ซึ่งแพทย์จะพิจารณาตามความเหมาะสมเป็นรายๆไป

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tropical Diseases

           Travelers from the western world may acquire tropical infections while they travel in the tropics. There are many symptoms that suggest tropical infections such as fever, diarrhea, skin rash, etc. These group of patients may develop symptoms while or after their trips. They should tell the doctors about their travel history to help the doctors find the diagnosis. If you get sick in the tropics, it is strongly recommended to seek for the medical care. Since some tropical diseases such as malaria can be fatal if not received prompt treatment.

           We are specialized in Tropical / Travel medicine. So we can provide a comprehensive medical care in diagnosis, lab testing and treatment of many tropical diseases such as

•  Malaria – we have 24 hrs service for malaria.

•  Traveler's diarrhea

•  Scrub Typhus/Murine Typhus

•  Leptospirosis

•  Melioidosis

•  Typhoid fever/Paratyphoid fever

•  Dengue infection

•  Gnathostomiasis

•  Filariasis

•  Neurocysticercosis

•  Amoebic liver abscess

•  Viral Hepatitis

•  Intestinal parasites such as Hook worm, Ascariasis, strongyloidiasis, capillariasis

•  Larva migrans

•  Eosinophilia/Eosinophillic meningitis.

•  Tropical skin diseases

•  Tuberculosis

•  etc.

                Each diseases required different laboratory testings such as blood check, stool exam, molecular diagnosis, etc. Counseling with our staff is mandatory in this issue.

lab1.JPG falciparum.jpg image007.jpg
Special laboratory malaria in red blood cell E. histolytica

 
 

 

Japanese Encephalitis

Compiled By   : Assoc.Prof. Chukiat Sirivichayakul
                           Assist.Prof. Achara Asavanich
Produced By  :  Information leaflet committee, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, 
                           Mahidol University and Department of Disease Control, Ministry 
                           of Public Health
 japaneseencephalitis2.jpg
                   Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus. Transmission to man is mainly by the mosquito Culex tritaeniorrhynchus, which breeds in rice fields. 
 Transmission
            Pigs are amplifying hosts of this virus. The JE virus multiplies rapidly, resulting in viremia, but the pig remains asymptomatic. When the mosquito vector feeds on an infected pig, the virus multiplies in the mosquito and is transmitted to man or other animals, such as horse, cattle, sheep and bird, through mosquito bite.
Endemic areas 
           This disease was first recognized in Japan. Currently, it is found widely in East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. In Thailand, high incidence is found where rice and pig farms coexist, especially in Mae Hong Son, Mukdahan, Kamphaeng Phet, Samut Sakhon and Nan provinces. 
Symptoms
           Approximately 1 in 300 JE virus infected persons become ill. The incubation period is 5-15 days. The illness starts with high fever, vomitting, headache and weakness. One to seven days later (usually 2-3 days), neurological signs and symptoms, such as stiff neck, drowsiness, delirium, convulsions, unconsciousness, tremor and paralysis may occur for 3-6 days. Those with severe conditions may die at this stage (the mortality rate is 15-30%).
          Finally, the fever gradually subsides, followed by improved neurological conditions. However, about half of the survivors have severe sequelae, such as spasms, paralysis, convulsions, mental retardation, speech disorders and emotional disturbances.
Diagnosis 
          The disease can be diagnosed by physical examination along with the history of living in or entering endemic areas. Detection of antigens and antibodies to JE virus from serum and spinal fluid are considered the most accurate.
Treatment
          There is no specific anti-JE drug currently available. Only symptomatic and supportive treatments are provided to prevent the complications that may occur. 
Prevention
         After vaccination was applied in Japan, China and Korea, the number of patients in these countries was reduced dramatically. 
         JE virus vaccine is now available in Thailand. Three subcutaneous injections are recommended. The first and second adminstrations are one week apart, and the third dose is a year later. Self-protection and reduction of man-mosquito contact by application of repellent or the use of a bed-net are advisable. Control of mosquito vectors in rice fields and pig-farming areas may require a major effort, since Thailand is considered an agricultural country. 
         A person who has never received vaccination and plans to enter an endemic area should be vaccinated at least two doses two weeks before entry.
        
Note: Now new JE vaccine (CD-JE vax, SA14-14-2) is available in Thailand.
 

Filariasis

Compiled By  :  Assist. Prof. Narumon Komalamisra
                          Assist. Prof. Achara Asavanich  
Produced By  :  Information leaflet committee, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, 
                          Mahidol University and Department of Disease Control, Ministry 
                          of Public Health

FILARIASIS.jpg

Filariasis
         Filariasis is caused by a filarial worm which is a thread-like round worm inhabitiong the lymphatic system of humans. Mosquitoes are the main vectors of this disease. Distinct symptoms are the enormous enlargement of limbs or scrotum (elephantiasis) due to the obstruction of lymphatic vessels by the worm(s).

Cause and endemic areas
        There are two types of human filariasis in Thailand, malayan filariasis and bancroftian filariasis. Malayan filariasis is caused by Brugia malayi and bancroftian filariasis is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti. The clinical features of malayan filariasis are elephantiasis of the limbs. This type of filariasis is found along the east coast of Southern Thailand, from Chumphon to Narathiwat. Mansonia mosquitoes are the main vectors. These mosquitoes prefer to feed on both humans and animals at night. Their breeding places are swamps and bogs with many aquatic plants such as Pistia sp. and water hyacinth.

          Clinical features of bancroftian filariasis are the enlargement of scrotum, arms, or legs. It is prevalent in Western Thailand near the Thai-Myanmar border,ie. Amphoe Sangkhla Buri, Amphoe Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi Province; Amphoe Mae Ramat, Tak Province; Amphoe La-un, Amphoe Mueng, Ranong Province. The mosquito vectors of bancroftian filariasis are the Aedes niveus group, whose breeding places are tree holes and bamboo stumps.

           At present, another strain of bancroftian filariasis, found in immigrant workers from Myanmar, has been reported in Thailand. This strain can be transmitted by several kinds of mosquito vectors, including Culex sp., which are generally found around houses all over the country.


Life cycle
          When a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, the infective larvae migrate from a mosquito's proboscis to human skin and penetrate the human body through the bite wound (1), and develop into adult worms in the lymphatic system (2). The incubation period is 3-9 months. Males and females mate and reproduce microfilariae, which are released into the bloodstream (3). A mosquito bites an infected person and is infected with microfilariae (4); then the microfilariae develop into the infective stage in the mosquito vector within 1-2 weeks (5).

Symptoms
          Many infected persons do not develop clinical symptoms. The symptoms usually appear only when a person is repeatedly bitten by infected mosquitoes. The early signs are fever resulting from inflammation of lymph nodes/ducts in the areas of the armpits, groins or testes due to the presence of adult worm(s). The inflammation is remittent which stimulates the obstruction of the lymph ducts and causes swelling of the obstructed organ(s). If the confition persists, that organ is permanently enlarged and the skin becomes hard and rough.

Diagnosis
          Those who live in endemic areas should have their blood examined for filarial parasites if there are signs of fever with lymphangitis accompanied by the enlargement of limbs or scrotum. In Thailand, microfilariae are mostly of the nocturnal type. Therefore, blood taken for examination should be drawn at night to provide the best result. Serodiagnosis is also available.

Prevention and control
          Protecting oneself from being bitten by a mosquito vector,
               - either by sleeping in a bed-net or screened bedroom,
               - or by using mosquito repellent.

          Controlling and reducing mosquito populations either by
               - residual insecticide spraying,
               - elimation of mosquito larvae in various habitats,
               - and elimination of aquatic plants that are sources of resting for larvae.

         Those who live in endemic areas should take chemoprophylaxis, such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) which can be requested from local health offices of the Ministry of Public Health.
 

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) About Travelers' diarrhea    

Complied by: Dr. Watcharapong Piyaphanee  
Produced by: Information Leaflet Committee, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol Universit

about-traveler-diarrhea

 

What’s Travelers’ diarrhea?

        Travelers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travelers. Every countries is at risk for travelers' diarrhea. But most cases occur in developing countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In Thailand, prevalence of travelers' diarrhea is much lower nowadays, due to better sanitary conditions.

 

What causes travelers’ diarrhea? 

         Germ in the unclean food or drink can cause travelers' diarrhea.The most common causative agent is enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Other pathogens can cause travelers' diarrhea such as campylobacter, salmonella, shigella, vibrio spp., and many kinds of intestinal parasites.


What are the common symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea?

            The onset of travelers' diarrhea usually occurs within the first week of travel, but it may occur at any time while traveling. It also can occur shortly after you get home.
            Diarrhea usually occurs abruptly. The illness results in increasing frequency and amount of loose or watery stool. It usually causes 5-10 bowel movements each day. Other common symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and fever.


What is the natural course of disease?
 

          Even without treatment, travelers' diarrhea usually subsides with in 2-5 days. Most cases are mind. Some cases may having dehydration, fatique, and high grade fever, mayrequired hospitalization.

 
What is the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea? 

           Whenever possible, you should have your stool checked to find the causative pathogen. Most travelers' diarrhea is treated with appropriate antibiotics and supportive treatment. Oral rehydration is recommended to replace the lost fluid and electrolytes. Hospitalized cases usually require intravenous fluid rehydration.

 

What about the antimotility drug?

          Antimotility agents (e.g. loperamide) can reduce diarrhea by slowing the bowel movement. Since diarrhea is the body’s defense mechanism to get rid of the pathogen from the gastrointertinal tract, therefore antimotility agents may reduce the clearance of the pathogen and lead to systemic toxicity in the patient. However, these agents may be useful in reducing diarrhea while traveling.

         Never use these drug in the patients with fever or mucous-bloody stool. Medical consultation is needed.

 

Is there any drug can be used to prevent travelers’ diarrhea?

         Taking antibiotics to prevent diarrhea is not recommended. Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis increases the risk for adverse reactions to the travelers and may increase resistance to the organism.

 

Where can I seek for medical care if I have diarrhea? 

         All hospital in Thailand can take care travelers' diarrhea. Most patients can be treated as outpatients but some patients may need hospitalization. In our clinic, all patients will be requested to collect their stool to check for the pathogen. You may collect your stool before attending our clinic. Use small plastic container collecting device.         

 

How can I prevent travelers' diarrhea? 

         Travelers' diarrhea is caused by a pathogen in unclean food or drink. Here are some useful tips.

        - Avoid eating food or drinking beverage from uncertain origin.

        - Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood.

        - Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.

        - Don't drink tap water.

        - Bottled water is probably safe, but be sure the cap and seal are not broken.

        - Bottled carbonated beverages and canned drinks are normally safe.         

 
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