Letters : The Horror of It All

After living and working for many years in Africa, I found Michael Modzelewski’s article “Out of Africa (and Fast!)” (Oct. 24) interesting and nostalgic.

Because of the serious nature of the subject, I feel honor-bound to clear up a few fuzzy areas.

Cerebral malaria is not a species of malaria one contracts. It is a dangerous complication of malaria.

It is critically important that travelers to malarial areas know what drugs to take and have them in their possession if they travel to remote regions. You can find a wealth of health-related information by calling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Traveler’s Hot Line at (404) 332-4559 and the CDC Malaria Hot Line at (404) 332-4555.

Mr. Modzelewski was indeed lucky to survive his ordeal. His case is yet another example of my theory, “God protects the ignorant” (sometimes!). Airline delays are a fact of life with travelers and can be particularly lengthy in Third World countries. It is also true that airlines can refuse to transport an ill person. I cannot over-stress the importance of taking out emergency evacuation insurance before traveling to areas with marginal medical care. It is inexpensive and a true lifesaver. There are several reputable companies, but the one I am most familiar with is International SOS Assistance Inc., (800) 523-8930. As the medical officer for the Peace Corps in various exotic locales, I used their services on several occasions.

I can’t tell you how many American and European travelers I’ve met bumbling around Africa, ignorant of basic self-care practices. Many were in the throes of one tropical malady or another, most of which were preventable. It takes just a little preparation before leaving home to help guarantee a safe, healthy journey.

REBECCA EHRICH

San Diego

Some of the worst things that happened to Modzelewski were his frequent encounters with individuals who fanned his worst fears. Had he encountered someone a bit more knowledgeable of the disease early on, some unwarranted worry would have been avoided.

DR. J.R. SMITH

Redmond, Wash.

Do you have any idea of how much consternation your article on the front page of the Travel section caused?

Readers with deposit-plans to visit Africa in the very near future were shocked, apprehensive--and, at best, depressed. I know a few.

It was most irresponsible.

ELLIE GIBBEL

Beverly Hills

Rosenberg’s description of his mother’s medical treatment exemplifies the term “Ugly American.”

It seems to me that Rosenberg and his mother were lucky. Lucky to have found helpful people, competent medical treatment and a (hotel owner) who was willing to cash a personal check for $4,000. Had his mother been traveling in any large American city, I doubt she would have been treated so well.

DEBRA DRALLE

Woodland Hills

Had the Rosenbergs belonged to the International Assn. for Medical Assistance to Travelers, they could have quickly accessed competent medical help with no language barrier. IAMAT’s directory lists two centers in Venice, each staffed by an English-speaking doctor. Membership in IAMAT is free.

KEN SALTZMAN

Los Angeles

Two years ago, after attending a wedding, my husband and I returned to our hotel in the Italian Alps at midnight when I developed a severe breathing problem.

I spent 17 days in the hospital, diagnosed with pulmonary arrest. Without speaking Italian, I was given the most tender loving care from everyone who nursed me.

After the first week, my husband gave them his bank card. They checked his credit, and when I was released with a complete record of all the medical treatment received (in Italian, naturally), he made out a personal check for $8,800, probably less than 10% of what the cost would be in the U.S.

EVELYN UDKOFF

Los Angeles

This summer I was host to an old friend and his wife from Germany. After just three days of their visit, his wife suddenly collapsed.

A battery of tests found a blood clot on one of her lungs. Treatment took seven days, and all that was left of their vacation was a careful convalescence at my home. The remaining horror: the medical bill just under $23,000.

H.G. GIBSON

Huntington Beach

I was shocked at the cover on the Travel section. If I want to read “bad news,” I can find ample amounts in the front or Metro section, not the Travel section.

This section is my escape or dream section. Please, don’t print any more horror stories!

PHYLLIS A. WAGGNER

West Hollywood

Finally, real stories about travel! Stories about what can happen, what did happen, and how to survive! That’s what a Travel section ought to be.

JAMES T. HUMBERD

La Quinta

Letters to the Travel Editor should be brief and are subject to condensation. Send letter, including a telephone number, to: Travel Section, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square , Los Angeles 90053.