Appendix
Appendix: Resources for the primary care physician
Section snippets
Internet and electronic resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/travel
The CDC publishes the Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel, which focuses on immunization and malaria prophylaxis. The Yellow Book is published biennially.
ProMED-mail, hosted by the International Society for Infectious Diseases
Web site: http://www.promedmail.org
This Web site receives, edits, and publishes worldwide disease-outbreak reports daily.
Division of Geographic Medicine, University of
Societies
The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH)
60 Revere Drive, Suite 500, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA
Telephone: 847-480-9592
Fax: 847-480-9282
Web site: http://www.astmh.org
The ASTMH publishes The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Tropical Medicine and Hygiene News, and Health Hints for the Tropics. It is the primary US-based organization dedicated to the advancement of tropical medicine, public health, and related disciplines. Membership includes clinicians and
Supplies
Immunizations and other vital health information must be recorded in the International Certificates of Vaccination (Yellow Card). These cards can be ordered by calling the Public Health Service's Superintendent of Documents in Washington, DC (202-512-1800). The cost is $1 per card or $15 per pack of 100 cards. The form number is PHS 731 #017-001-00483-9. This card can be useful for patients with chronic illness who carry prescription medications, especially insulin and needles.
Practitioners
Health insurance
It is important for travelers to have international health insurance for medical care and evacuation. The following two companies have good reputations for this service:
TravMed/Medex
International SOS
Web site: http://www.internationalsos.com