Getting your child tested for TB is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your child's health after homecoming. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that commonly affects the lungs of an infected person, but can infect any part of the body. It is very common in Ethiopia, which means our kids are ALL at high risk for having been exposed to TB.

TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs. It first settles in the lungs. As the disease progresses it can spread to other parts of the body. People with TB are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day.

Adoptive families need to test their kids for TB exposure twice-- first,... more

One of the common issues that many families face is that of giardia. Giardia is a parasite that comes from tainted water. It causes frequent loose bowel movements, often accompanied by a very foul smell and lots of cramping and gas. Our first Ethiopian daughter had a good case of it, and I suspected it right away. Unfortunately when we had her tested in the US, three different stool specimens came back negative. The lab couldn't find a thing.

Finally our doctor got tired of not being able to figure out why she was having 6 dirty diapers a day, and he prescribed a 10 day course of Flagyl, the standard treatment for giardia. Three days after she began the medicine, her diarrhea... more

A common skin condition that many Ethiopian children have on homecoming is molluscum. Molluscum are small, harmless wart-like growths on the skin that are caused by a virus. Most often these growths can be found on the trunk, arms, legs, and face. They can also be in the hair.

Molluscum can be as small as a millimeter or larger than diameter of a pencil eraser. Some have a whitish top similar to a blister, and others look pinkish and wart-like. (photos) Kids may have just one, or many at a time.

Molluscum are spread by skin contact or through sharing items such as gym mats or equipment.... more

In planning to go to Ethiopia, I have been trying to decide what might be the best way to carry our 28 pound 2 year old. She can walk, but in strange situations she insists on being carried, and does not have the stamina for walking long distances. In Addis the roads are rough (and often muddy)making a stroller an impractical option, except maybe for wheeling around in a hotel.

Over my years of parenting I have tried a variety of carriers. In the next two posts, I'll be giving you my impressions of the NoJo sling, the Snugli frame-style backpack, the Hug A Bub, the Hip Hammock, and the Ergo. All of these are decent carriers with plenty of good points. I'll try to explain what I... more

Sometimes, despite your best efforts at caution in Addis, you succumb to the dreaded stomach crud. Because of this, it is wise to come to Ethiopia prepared.

When your stomach starts rumbling, your first line of defense should probably be something like Pepto-bismol or Tums. If the stomach upset is mild, this treatment along with very cautious eating and maybe some lemon-lime soda will probably get you back to normal within a few hours.

Imodium?

If... more

The CDC announced on July 20th that several cases of hepatitis A have recently been reported in people who have come in contact with adoptees from Ethiopia. Because of this, Hepatitis A immunizations are recommended not only for parents traveling to Ethiopia, but also for all members of households that will be welcoming Ethiopian children home.

Two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine confer life-long immunity, but even one dose will provide 70% immunity. If you do not have time to get both doses before traveling, you will still probably be OK. The Hep A vaccine is safe for children as young as 12 months. Most children under the age of 6 years do not get sick from the infection,... more

Lots of people wonder which shots are necessary for Ethiopia. Most people will need to an international immunization nurse to get shots for Ethiopia. Check with your county health department to find out where the international travel nurse is located in your area.

Keep in mind that most insurance companies view international travel as optional and will not cover the cost for most international vaccines. If you get the full complement of recommended shots, you can come away with a bill of $500 or more.

John and I talked over our options ahead of time, and so he already had an idea of which shots he wanted to get. The nurse that we talked with was very helpful. She said that... more

On March 1st, the Washington Post reported some good news on the malaria-fighting front.

Malaria Drugs Could Cut Deaths in Africa

By MARIA CHENG, The Associated Press

LONDON -- The first affordable combination anti-malarial drug tailored for children will soon be available across Africa, potentially saving millions of lives, the nonprofit organization and the pharmaceuticals giant who worked to develop it said Thursday.

The new medication, known as ASAQ, combines two of the most effective drugs known to treat malaria, artesunate and... more

One of our sons was born missing his right foot. When we were considering his adoption, one of the biggest issues in our minds was the cost of providing him with prosthetic legs. He needs on average one new prosthetic per year at a cost of around $10,000 per leg. That's no small chunk of change.

We were familiar with the work that Shriner's does for children with orthopedic needs, burns, and spinal cord injury. We investigated and were pleased to learn that we would be eligible for help from them, and that all costs would be covered.

As it turned out, our own health insurance was quite good - good enough... more

One of the things a child could possibly bring home from Ethiopia is a case of hepatitis B. Children will be tested for hepatitis while in Ethiopia, and you most likely will be aware of your child's hepatitis status. However, there have been a few cases of children developing hepatitis and not being diagnosed before homecoming.

Hepatitis B is actually more easily spread than HIV, by contact with infected blood, serum, semen, and vaginal fluids. Infants can get it from their mothers at birth or via breastfeeding. Hepatitis A and B combined sicken about 280,000 American travelers in any given year. For that reason, one of the recommended vaccines when traveling to Ethiopia is the... more