Malaria - How to Avoid it.
Exotic travel and carelessness can lead to death..
We can become complacent when travelling to faraway places, where everything seems so pleasant. Yet lurking in lush, verdant, greenery and lily-strewn pools lies danger.
With travel to faraway places becoming more accessible and with cheap flights on the increase, everyone must take more care to avoid contracting the many diseases that are lying in wait out there. In particular, the one that kills - Malaria.
The most severe form of malaria is Plasmodium falciparum and this is on the increase with travellers from the cooler climes. Malaria is transmitted by an infected mosquito and one bite is enough to bring about a fatality. However, precautions to prevent infection can be taken.
First up are antimalarial tablets: beyond this, mosquito netting should be used where necessary – impregnated with permethrin - and always, always use an insect repellent. Even with liberally sprayed insect repellent on both skin and clothing, it is advisable to limit outdoor activities and to cover all exposed skin during the hours from dusk till dawn. It is sometimes hard to do this when the weather is hot and humid, but remember, this is the time when the mozzies are most active.
Seek advice from your doctor or a healthcare professional at least eight weeks before you travel as in most cases, you need to start taking the tablets in advance of travelling. Have a note of your itinerary with you as some areas may be worse than others, yet many places may be malaria-free.
This is not a decision you can make for yourself, so be sure you get the best advice you can before setting off. In some areas the parasite has become resistant to older drugs (especially in parts of Africa) and only the professionals will have up to date knowledge of this. Don’t rely on a friend’s advice, and never rely on buying the tablets when you get there. There is quite a trade in fake medicines in certain countries and you could well end up with malaria if you fell into the hands of these fraudulent sellers.
The main thing is to always remain aware of the dangers and never to become complacent. Keep in mind that it only takes one bite to contract the fatal disease. The Antimalarials must be taken as prescribed. They must be continued when you return from your travels as the parasite can remain in your body and it continues to reproduce rapidly.
Should you be unlucky enough to contract the disease, know what to look out for. Initial symptons can often be difficult to recgnise and can be confused with ‘flu. If ‘flu like symtons develop any time up to a year after your return home, seek out medical advaice immediately and tell them where you’ve recently been.
After all that, go off and enjoy your travels, but before you go, check out the risks by visiting the Foreign and Commonwealth’s “Know Before you Go” website at www.fco.gov.uk and www.nomadtravel.co.uk for good advice.
