Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted via a mosquito that bites from dusk until dawn. It remains a life- threatening infection and in 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide and 409,000 deaths. It can present a very serious risk to travellers visiting the areas where the disease is present. A careful risk assessment will be completed by your travel health consultant, especially as certain travellers will be at a higher risk of severe disease (The elderly, immunocompromised, in pregnancy, certain medical conditions and children). The largest proportion of malaria cases are found in Africa, but it is present in South East Asia, Asia, Central and South America, Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), the Middle East and Oceania. There are different species which can present a greater or lesser risk, however the advice in all malaria areas remains similar. Travellers should be aware of the ABCD approach to malaria prevention
A - Awareness of Risk – Is there Malaria is the area you are visiting? Is it transmission season and is it high or low risk?
B – Bite avoidance strategies – Repellents, mosquito nets, clothing, room protection and knock down sprays (See mosquito bite avoidance/ insect bite avoidance)
C- Chemoprophylaxis – Anti malarial medication –The right medication should be taken for the region that is visited and your personal health. Medication must be taken for the correct length of time. This varies depending on the medication and usually needs to be continued after the malaria areas has been left.
Diagnosis – Be aware of Symptoms – Fever, flu-like illness, headache, malaise, diarrhoea and Jaundice. If you develop these or any other worrying symptoms while away or on return to the UK, even if months afterwards, seek medical assistance and let them know you visited a malaria area.
Reference and to see further information -
NaTHNaC - https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/52/malaria
Fit for Travel - https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/malaria
Information on anti-malarial medication but always discuss options with a health care provider–
Atovaquone/ proguanil (Malarone ) –
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/malaria/atovaquoneproguanil
Doxycycline - https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/malaria/doxycycline
Chloroquine and /or Proguanil - https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/malaria/chloroquine-andor-proguanil
Mefloquine - https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/malaria/mefloquine