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Biomedical subjects

R A Calder

Publications and source records attributed to R A Calder.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Drownings in Florida 1977-1986.

Drowning is a serious public health problem in Florida. It is the leading cause of death among children aged one to four years. We studied Florida drownings for 1977-1986 using data from the Florida vital statistics mortality file and found that 5,525 occurred, the greatest number in 1980 (688), the fewest in 1985 (453). The reasons for this decrease are not clear, but the greatest decrease occurred in swimming pool drownings. Nonwhite males had the highest overall drowning rates, except for those under age five or 80 and above. White males had the highest drowning rates for persons under age five; most of these occurred in swimming pools. No single approach will prevent drownings in all high risk groups. Priority should be given to foursided fencing of swimming pools and to further study of nonwhite male drownings.

Accidents, Home↗

Counseling the international traveler.

The itinerary of international travelers will largely determine the amount of pretravel counseling number of immunizations and type of malaria prophylaxis they will need. The countries visited are also the best predictor of traveler's diarrhea. Only yellow fever and cholera vaccines are required for entry into certain countries; the latter generally given only to satisfy entry requirements. Polio vaccine is important for some areas and is frequently neglected. For most malarious areas, chloroquine once per week is recommended. Fansidar should be prescribed weekly for very few travelers. Traveler's diarrhea is best prevented by avoiding high risk foods and beverages. Antibiotics, generally not recommended for prophylaxis, are very effective in treatment. Travelers should be reminded to advise physicians of their travel history during future medical encounters so that diseases, possibly contracted during travel, may be considered in diagnoses.

Antimalarials↗

Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission in a health clinic.

Between January 1 and June 30, 1988, 30 (39.5%) of 76 staff members tested at a health clinic in Florida had positive tuberculin skin test reactions. This case-control study showed that people whose skin test converted were more likely than those whose skin test did not convert to have been present while patients were being treated with aerosolized pentamidine (odds ratio = 15.0; 95% confidence interval = 1.4 - 730.0) and to have worked on the first floor of the clinic (odds ratio = 9.3; 95% confidence interval = 1.1 - 420). The clinic building was poorly ventilated, and aerosolized pentamidine treatments were given in a room from which the air tended to flow into the hallway. Aerosolized pentamidine should be administered in a well-ventilated area from which the air is exhausted directly outside. All persons who are given such treatments should first be screened for tuberculosis. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not constitute endorsement by the Public Health Services or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Administration, Inhalation↗