J Emerg Med
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The herpes B virus is a zoonotic agent that is endemic among macaque monkeys only, but can cause fatal encephalomyelitis in humans. ⋯ A 26-year-old female presented to a U.S. emergency department after being bitten by a wild macaque monkey. The emergency medicine team administered rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine. The team also prescribed acyclovir for prophylactic coverage against herpes B, a deadly zoonotic agent that is endemic among macaque monkeys. A discussion of background, exposure, transmission, symptoms, treatment for herpes B, including latest data available, literature, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines are included. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Zoonotic exposures can cause infectious diseases, which are unfamiliar and deadly. The emergency physician's knowledge of the association between the deadly herpes B infection and wild macaque monkey may expedite treatment and be instrumental in patient morbidity and survival.
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Adolescents and young adults account for about half of the annual diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the United States. Screening and treatment for STIs, as well as prevention, are needed in health-care settings to help offset the costs of untreated STIs. ⋯ One in 10 sexually active youth in the ED reported a prior diagnosed STI. Previous STI was significantly higher among females than males. ED providers inquiring about inconsistent condom use and previous STI among male and female adolescents may be one strategy to focus biological testing resources and improve screening for current STI.
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Case Reports
Dangers of Prehospital Cooling: A Case Report of Afterdrop in a Patient with Exertional Heat Stroke.
Exertional heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening disease with varying clinical presentations and severity. Given the severe morbidity that can accompany the disease, the immediate management often begins in the prehospital setting. It is important to have not only a comprehensive understanding of the prehospital cooling methods in addition to hospital management strategies, but an understanding of their potential complications as well. ⋯ A 32-year-old male presented to a San Antonio hospital in March 2014 with progressive confusion, nausea, nonbloody emesis, and ataxia. Initial presentation was concerning for exertional heat stroke, as the patient was recorded in the field to have a temperature of 42.1°C (106.2°F). The patient, on arrival to the emergency department, was found to have a core body temperature of 38.1°C (100.6°F). All active cooling measures were terminated and active rewarming was initiated. Despite adequate resuscitation and rapid identification of the patient's overcorrection in core body temperature, the lowest recorded temperature was 36.0°C (96.8°F). Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? This case represents the dangers associated with exertional heat stroke, overcorrection of core body temperature, and the potentially lethal complication of afterdrop. It also represents the need for immediate recognition of the condition and initiation of appropriate medical care. Although this patient's clinical outcome was good, the event could have caused serious morbidity or could have potentially been fatal.
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Lepidopterism refers to the manifestations of contact from any number of moths, butterflies, and caterpillars. Various symptoms have been described, ranging from localized skin irritation to systemic anaphylactic reactions. ⋯ We present a case of airway edema in an 8-month-old child from oral exposure to Woolly Bear Caterpillar (Pyrrharctia Isabella). After prompt emergency department recognition, her symptoms necessitated urgent operating room management by a team of otolaryngologists and close monitoring in a pediatric intensive care unit. A similar presentation in this species has not been described previously in the English literature. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Leptidopterism is rare, but recognition by the emergency practitioner is necessary for prompt and appropriate treatment. Rapid identification by the emergency physician of oral exposure and careful spine removal can be lifesaving in cases of significant oropharyngeal edema.
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The size, speed, and unpredictable nature of horses present a significant risk for injury in all equine-related activities. ⋯ The majority of equine-related injuries occur while pursuing recreational activities and are due to falls. Our patients experienced more severe injuries to the trunk and head and required more surgical intervention for pelvic, facial, and brain injuries than previously reported. Failure to use safety equipment contributes to the risk of severe injury. Education and injury prevention is essential. The need for complex surgical intervention by multiple specialties supports transfer to Level I trauma centers.