Tetanus, pneumonia, and malaria in a tsunami victim in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
On December 26, 2004, a tsunami from the Indian Ocean struck the coastal city of Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. This case report describes a 24-year-old woman who presented to the Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital in Banda Aceh on January 8, 2005, with a tsunami-related illness. The patient was initially treated for tetanus and aspiration pneumonia with a guarded prognosis. Her recovery was complicated by malaria and recurrent pneumonia. Treatment was hampered by a shortage of medication and equipment, damage to the hospital, and a filthy environment. Morphine, diazepam, and ketamine infusions were used to good effect. This case highlights some of the logistical problems of treating multiple tetanus patients in an austere environment.
Hanley
Mark R
MR
Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Australian Regular Army, 1st Health Support Battalion, Manunda Lines, Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney, New South Wales 2173.
O'Regan
William
W
Squires
Scott
S
Tate
Charmaine
C
D000328:Adult; D002443:Ceftriaxone; D003975:Diazepam; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007214:Indonesia; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008795:Metronidazole; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D013742:Tetanus / Q000175:diagnosis*
D008795:Metronidazole; D002443:Ceftriaxone; D003975:Diazepam