Also known as: AIDS
Pregnant mother with HIV and two HIV-positive children. Central to episode as Carter tries to get her antiretroviral therapy, eventually paying for drugs himself and enrolling her in Makemba's pilot program. Her husband is end-stage AIDS and dies during the episode.
Also known as: PCP
Celine's 5-year-old HIV-positive son develops pneumocystis pneumonia with bilateral interstitial infiltrates and severe hypoxemia. Despite oxygen therapy, he deteriorates and dies on Christmas Day, highlighting the lack of pediatric HIV medications available.
Also known as: Parasite from cat feces
Patient presenting with right-sided weakness, suspected toxoplasmosis. Treated empirically with sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid due to limited resources for diagnostic testing. Patient fails to improve after 10 days, requiring spinal tap.
Also known as: GI bleed
Elderly patient (LOL - little old lady) presenting with bloody stool mentioned in opening scene as one of several patients needing evaluation.
Pediatric patient who swallowed a Christmas tree ornament. Mother concerned about the wire hook causing internal damage.
Patient in Congo with mild jaundice, treated with three Fansidar tablets for presumed malaria. Typical presentation of infectious disease in the African setting where Carter is working.