Malaria -- Get Prepared
by James Plouf
Read this first. Then you must contact a physician for accurate and up-to-date information on malaria.
Don't be part of the rising number of people stricken by malaria each year. More than 1.5 million people died last year from the disease. The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises travelers to Africa, some parts of Central and South America, Southeast Asia, India, Haiti and Dominican Republic to take special precautions when traveling to these areas.
Malaria is spread by the bite of a parasite-infected female Anopheles mosquito. When visiting a malaria zone, travelers should take the appropriate drug regimen and use personal protection measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Unfortunately, things get complicated as many areas contain strains that are becoming resistant to certain drugs. Africa in particular has a diverse range of the parasite and traveling just a few hundred miles can put you into a zone where your medication is rendered useless. The popular malaria drug Chloroquine is quickly losing its effectiveness in many parts. Other drugs such as Doxycycline and Mefloquine are effective in most Chloroquine resistant areas. Follow directions carefully. Some drugs require taking before you arrive in the malaria zone and continuation for up to four weeks after leaving.The best way to reduce the risk of malaria is to avoid mosquito bites, which normally occur during the evening. Stay in well screened areas, use mosquito nets, wear clothes that cover most of the body, and use insect repellent containing DEET (N-diethyl meta-toluamide). Use night sprays in sleeping areas and try to burn mosquito coils.
Even with these precautions, there is no guarantee of not contracting malaria. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing. If you suspect malaria, contact a medical doctor immediately for a test. In the early stages malaria can be treated effectively. Delay can be serious and sometimes fatal.
For more information contact the CDC at (404)-332-4559 or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov
For questions and comments about Worldtravelcenter.com, its World Travel Health newsletter, or its travel companion jetStream, contact Laura Bauer:
laura@worldtravelcenter.com
Phone: 1-800-234-1862
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