Post-travel medical examination

I am going to Uganda in february. What screening tests should I ask my doctor to perform when I return, and when is it best to have the tests?

It is doubtfull if there is much value in post-travel examinations if the traveller is well and has no particular risk situations during the travel. However, a post-travel medical check could include: Haemoglobin, leucocyte and differential counts, liver enzymes, antibodies against hepatitis B and HIV and faeces for parasites and bacteria like Salmonella.



Feel ill after returning from Africa

I just returned home after close to 4 weeks in Africa, most of which were spent in Mzuzu, Malawi. The rest was in Johannesburg in transit. During my 2 days in Johannesburg, before flying home, I became nauseous but not actually throwing up. I have had this off and on since I arrived home 2-1/2 days ago. There has been no fever but I was only able to sleep 3-4 hours a night during my last few days in Africa. I am sleeping better now however. I did get all the preventive shots and took Malarone begining 4 days before I left and am continuing for 7 days after being home. Does this sound like malaria? I have 3 rounds of 500mg Cyprofloxacin tablets... is that something I should take now just in case.

It is unlikely you have malaria with no fever, and Ciprofloxacin is usually for diarrhoeal infections, which you do not describe. I would take my temperature at least once daily especially after completing your 7 days of Malarone after leaving Malawi. If you continue to feel sick you need to see your doctor for a physical examination and some blood tests.



Malaria in India

I am travelling in India for 10 days, remaining in Bombay all 10 days. I choose to forgo anti malaria pills, as the risks are high, and instead have taken precautions againts mosquitos. Unfortunately, three days into my trip, I have 4 mosquito bites. Would you reccomend waiting out the rest of my trip and seeing if I am infected, or starting a anti malaria regime right away? If so which treatment should I use, which I can access here?

The risk of malaria in India is mostly to the west towards pakistan and in the east in Assam. Not all mosquitoes carry malaria actually most do not in India, so I would not start malaria prophylaxis just because of four bites. However, if you can not stand the small uncertainty you need to start prophylaxis and chloroquine and paludrine is available in india and should effective there.