LA Times Travel and Adventure Show

Thousands of people showed up Februrary 13th and 14th for the LA Times Travel and Adventure Show at the Downtown Convention Center. There were countries from around the world represented. World cup previews encouraging a trip to South Africa, Eco Safari tours and adventure tours a plenty. There was even a zip line and scuba tank for those brave enough to try.

PassportHealth Los Angeles was there answering questions about keeping safe while travelling. It was the perfect opportunity for people to plan their trip and find out what vaccines were needed all in the same place.

We held a raffle for a treasure chest filled with awesome travel accessories. Jason Perez Howe was the winner. Jason is a senior public information officer for Lambda Legal, an organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

Here's what Jason had to say, "Woohoo! I never win anything, so the travel gift pack I won from PassportHealth was a great surprise. I'm a former travel reporter, and used PassportHealth in San Francisco for vaccinations before a trip to Southeast Asia. The gift pack includes an anti-malaria kit, bug repellant, and other goodies that will come in handy if we make a possible trip to India later this year--and it also comes with an inflatable travel pillow, which will be very welcome on our annual summer trip to Spain".

Rabies Shots Following Dog Attack

On Saturday February 6th 2010, Ernest Padilla, an English professor at Santa Monica College was at his local Starbucks on a routine trip for coffee. He was headed out of the restaurant when he noticed a pit bull tied up on a leash with a 3' lead. As he walked by, the dog lunged at him. Ernest tried to jump away but the dog bit him on his upper arm. He was in shock and bleeding, but went into the bathroom to get a towel. He asked the customers if anyone owned the dog and no one answered. He went back outside and noticed a man come from inside, untie the dog and start to walk away. 2 men who had been witnesses asked the man to stop but he continued to walk and then run away. One of the men chased him, but the dog and owner got away.

Mr. Padilla went to his doctor and was treated with antibiotics. Since the owner of the dog did not stick around and the history of the dog was not known, Earnest was told that he needed HRIG (Human Rabies Immune Globulin). Most physicians do not carry HRIG, so Earnest was referred to PassportHealth Los Angeles.

We were able to get Mr. Padilla exactly what he needed along with a series of 4 rabies vaccines. Earnest is doing better and is glad the situation wasn't worse. "There was a 2 year old girl and a 4 year old boy that walked out right after me and they could have been bitten too."

What did he think of his PassportHealth experience? "The people at Passporthealth were so professional and proficient. They made me feel so comfortable. The nurses were also so humane--the shots didn't even hurt that much!"

If anyone has information about the attack, please contact PassportHealth Los Angeles.