Malaria is one of the most widespread tropical diseases on the planet and there has been nothing so far to truly eradicate the disease. Mosquitoes infected from parasites transmit malaria to unsuspecting blood meals like humans. These malaria-ridden mosquitoes can be found all over the world in tropical and sub-tropical places like Africa, Mexico, Central and South America, Asia and more.
The malaria symptoms are varied and often mimic other tropical diseases. Fever, chills, night sweating and body aches are some of the signs and symptoms of malaria. Headaches, general malaise, vomiting and nausea are other symptoms that people may experience with malaria. It can take up days after the bite from an infected mosquito before symptoms may occur. If you are traveling and develop a fever within the first week, it is not likely indicative of malaria. However, fever in the second week of travel may be a warning.
There are four different types of protozoa that cause malaria. The protozoan plasmodium falciparum is particularly nasty as it can cause jaundice and anemia in malaria victims. This could lead to renal failure, coma and death if not promptly treated. It is also important to re-mention that malaria may take up to a year to occur. Therefore it is important to remember to mention your travel history to your doctor as it could help with a correct diagnosis.
If you plan to visit a country where malaria is endemic, even in just rural areas, it may be wise to seek the advice of a doctor who specializes in tropical medicine. They will give you advice on the proper precautions to take while traveling and also prescribe anti-malarial drugs that you will have to start taking before you leave for your trip. There are several different types of anti-malarial drugs and the area you are traveling to will dictate which medication the doctor prescribes.
Often these medications will need to be started two weeks before the travel and maybe two weeks after you return.
The United States has high standards when it comes to approving and manufacturing drugs. Other countries are not so stringent. Therefore, it is not a wise move to purchase your anti-malarial drugs in another country as they may not be full-strength, they could be laced with another drug, or they could even be placebo pills and therefore totally ineffective. In addition, there are some anti-malarial drugs produced overseas that could have harmful side effects like Halfan.
Prevention is obviously the best solution to avoid malaria altogether. If you have to travel to a country with this endemic disease, stick to populated urban areas. While there are mosquitoes in urban areas, they are not as prevalent as they are in the rural, country areas. In addition, there are fewer infected people with malaria in the cities and towns than there are in the rural areas.
In addition, always wear insect repellant with DEET as this ingredient is most effective at repelling mosquitoes. Be sure to apply sunscreen before the insect repellent. You may also use insecticide treated mosquito netting for sleeping areas and even over a hat to protect your face while long sleeves and pants protect the rest of your skin. Following simple precautionary measures should get you home malaria-free.
If you have any of the symptoms for malaria be sure to seek medical help as soon as possible. Remember to tell your doctor about your travels as the signs of malaria can take some time to appear.
