 |
|
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE AND HEALTH INSURANCE FOR OVERSEAS |
Click
- add  to favoritesGLOBAL COVERAGE, INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE |
|
|
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE AND HEALTH INSURANCE FOR OVERSEAS |
Click
- add to favoritesGLOBAL COVERAGE, INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE |
Although international medical insurance is important it is also important to be so prepared in order to avoid health problems overseas.
EXPATRIATE HEALTH
Diseases
| Malaria and Prevention | Tuberculosis | Sun Protection | |
| Leishmaniasis | Deep Vein Thrombosis | ||
| Hepatitis | Leptospirosis | Altitude Sickness | Diabetes |
| Influenza A & B | Lyme Disease | AIDS |
Parasitic Disease
We have mentioned parasites throughout this discussion. Primarily many parasitic diseases are diagnosed by either serum antibody blood tests or stool cultures and examinations. It is recommended for everyone returning from overseas that stool cultures be obtained. Persistent diarrhea is a reason to initiate stool examinations. Some organizations make the requirement of yearly stool exams in asymptomatic patients. Stool exam for ova and parasites should be obtained, not just a culture. Tests are done for pinworms, especially in children. Sometimes intact worms are passed. If that occurs, they should be placed in 70% alcohol solution for laboratory exams.
Occasionally tests such as duodenal string tests (swallowing a pill with a string and biopsy of the GI canal for evaluation) are required.
Schistosomiasis- primarily contacted by bathing in fresh water; many lakes and rivers are contaminated by snails that carry and discharge the parasite into the water. The parasite is able to penetrate intact skin (without lacerations). The parasite can be killed by chlorine disinfectants.
Giardia – contact with infected water through ingestion or bathing
Worms – contacted through poorly cooked food
Man-animal contact (ascaris), ESPECIALLY in children
Scabies (due to a mite)
possible even with meticulous cleaning
Highly contagious – simple touching
Intensely itching red spots (can usually see little red or black lines between the spots) Frequently starts in the webbed spaces between fingers, around wrists or ankles, affecting scalp but not the face. 1% Lindane solution applied to the affected area, repeated 1 week later. Meticulous cleaning of bed linen, underclothes treatment of bedroom with bug bombs (aerosol insecticides). Should not occupy room for 8 hours after insecticide use. Dog-cat contact for children under 5 years is a source of parasitic infection, affecting the liver, gut, skin, etc.
Lice Affects all ages but especially children.
You will observe little moving hairy creatures on the hairy areas of the body such as the head and pubic areas. The hair has little white flecks, which are the eggs.Treatment is to shave affected areas, use Lindane 1%, as with scabies. Repeat Lindane 7 days later
In summary, when obtaining a consultation over the phone or via e-mail, an accurate and specific description of symptoms should be given, including fever, skin appearance, respiratory symptoms, pulse, locations of pain, etc. Often locals know what organisms are common, and that should be relayed on to the professional as well as your knowledge of geographic distribution. Knowing the vector (such as animal-borne or mosquito-borne) is important and is essential for avoidance of disease. Often drug therapy is available at the local level. But we are happy to be a sounding board for whether this is adequate control.
| Need Help? Call 480/813-9100; Fax 480/813-9930; Email: info@gninsurance.com |
