Are you Traveling to Malaria Problen Area soon? What Precautions do you need to take? Fortunately, we’ve got a solution to all your queries. Read more to find out. Traveling can be such a wise experience, and whenever it involves visiting new places, you practically need some time to properly prepare and understand different places. That is why there are lots of crazy expeditions and tours that enable people to have full fun while learning on the job. However, this doesn’t mean you can completely allow your guard down and go all out as there are certain risks you need to watch out for.
Understanding Malaria
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease in humans caused by single-cell eukaryotic microorganisms belonging to the Plasmodium genus. Plasmodium parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, malaria can cause anemia and even death due to seizures, coma, or respiratory failure.
Where Is Malaria Found?
The parasitic diseases including malaria are restricted mainly in the tropical and subtropical areas as their parasites could not complete their life circle at low temperatures. The high-risk areas for malaria include parts of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and certain countries/islands in Oceania. The risk of malaria country by country and region within a country varies a lot according to seasonal changes and local medical conditions.
Precautions for Traveling to Malaria-Prone Areas
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional
Talk with a health care provider or a travel medicine specialist before traveling to evaluate your malaria risk and obtain individualized recommendations. They can advise which preventive measures, medications and vaccines are most appropriate for you given your travel destination and health status.
2. Take Malaria Prevention Medications
Anti-malarial drugs often used to reduce the chance of getting infected with malaria, are usually prescribed according to the country you’re traveling to and the type of malaria most prevalent. Some common anti-malarial drugs include:
- Chloroquine
- Mefloquine
- Doxycycline
Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)
It’s also crucial to begin the medications you should take before the trip, to keep taking them throughout your stay, and to finish the full course.
3. Use Insect Repellents
Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to prevent irritating bites, and so to prevent malaria. Apply repellents to both exposed skin and to clothing, and reapply after swimming or heavy sweating.
4. Wear Protective Clothing
To keep male and female mosquitoes from biting you, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Do this outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. Those are the times when many mosquito species prefer to bite. If you do choose to wear tightly woven clothing, make sure it covers as much skin as possible.
5. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens
A mosquito net – treated with insecticide is best – is useful when sleeping, as are screens on your windows and doors if you’re staying in a hotel, lodge, or tented camps. Make sure these are in good order and cope with the screening and to some degree with the insects; in smaller hostels, you might need your own.
6. Stay in Air-Conditioned or Well-Screened Accommodations
Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodations to minimize exposure to mosquitoes Air conditioning reduces indoor mosquito activity and increases comfort.
7. Avoid Outdoor Activities During Peak Mosquito Hours
If you’re trying to avoid malaria from mosquito bites, be aware that the insects are most active around dusk and dawn. If possible, stay indoors during these times, or take extra precautions if you have to be outside.
Vaccination Tips
1. Malaria Vaccines
To date, no vaccine against malaria offers complete protection, although the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine (Mosquirix) is now available in some areas, and offers only partial protection and is recommended only for children living in high-risk areas. Travellers should not therefore assume complete protection from a vaccine and should use it in addition to other preventive measures.
2. Routine Vaccinations
Make sure you’re up to date on routine vaccinations, such as those that prevent hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever, depending on where you’re traveling. Some vaccines, like the yellow fever vaccine, are required for travel to certain malaria-prone areas.
3. Seek Expert Advice
Ask about vaccination options and requirements when you see a travel medicine specialist. They can inform you about the most up-to-date recommendations and advise you as to what preventive treatments are necessary for your travel itinerary and your health status.
What to Do If You Develop Malaria Symptoms
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you ever develop symptoms of malaria (fever with chills, feeling very unwell, etc) while in a malarious area, immediately contact your doctor or seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because they can lead to the best outcome, and they can save your life.
2. Inform Healthcare Providers of Your Travel History
Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you have recently returned from a trip to a country where malaria is common, as this will aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
3. Follow Treatment Guidelines
If you are eventually diagnosed with the disease, adhere strictly to the medical treatment. Malaria is usually managed with a course of antimalarial drugs, which must be completed.
Additional Resources
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
You can find information on malaria prevention, travel health, and travel advisories including those for specific destinations on the CDC website.
2. World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO provides resources and information regarding malaria prevention/treatment/research. WHO has a website that provides global guidelines and updates.
3. Travel Health Clinics
Travel health clinics offer vaccines, preventative medicines, and travel health advice tailored to the destinations, activities, and individual needs of each patient.
If you travel to a place where there is a risk of malaria, you must take precautions to minimize the chances of catching the disease before you leave. It is advisable to consult your doctor before your trip, to take anti-malaria medication, to use insect protection, and to be aware of the availability of vaccination. In this way, you can protect yourself from malaria in a malaria-infected area, and enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday.
It is important to stay on guard and to take an active role in your malaria prevention so that you avoid this category altogether, and instead experience a healthy and happy trip while staying focused on adventure and exploration.
