Tropical Medicine Expert Opines on Failure to Provide Typhoid Vaccination

Case Overview

This case involves a diabetic Plaintiff who presented to a travel medicine clinic seeking health advice and vaccinations in preparation for an extended trip to a tropical country. The patient expected to recieve vaccinations and medications for the full range of tropical disease he might have encountered during his trip. However,during his visit to the clinic, there was no discussion or advice offered concerning typhoid, typhoid vaccinations, or medications. The patient was only provided with yellow fever injections and malaria pills. During his trip, the Plaintiff got sick, with a severe fever and multiple symptoms that were eventually linked to typhoid. It was alleged that the patient should have received a vaccination for typhoid, as well as medication for the treatment of typhoid should he have contracted it.

Questions to the Pediatrics expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience in tropical medicine, specifically typhoid?

The CDC recommends typhoid vaccination for most travelers to this area of the world, especially those who are visiting friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, and for adventurous eaters.

Are you able to review records and assess the likelihood of typhoid infection?

As a general note, type 1 diabetics are at higher risk of complications of typhoid fever, and diabetic ketoacidosis can quickly result from infection. This increased risk and the limitations of the health care system in the destination country to treat complications are further reasons to vaccinate pre-travel.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert is double boarded and fellowship trained in pediatric infectious diseases. He received his MPH from the top-ranking medical institution Johns Hopkins University and received his MD from Mercer University. He belongs to 3 prestigious medical societies and is extensively published with 24 peer-reviewed journal articles and 8 book chapters. He has traveled both nationally and internationally to be a presenter, and he serves as a reviewer for numerous professional publications. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor in medicine and pediatrics at a major university and makes rounds at 2 major medical centers.

E-018646

Specialties:

Pediatrics