World Malaria Day, 25 April 2014

Malaria infections on the up-and-up in Africa

With 300 to 500 million people infected and two to three million deaths caused by malaria every year, malaria has become a modern day scourge.  It is in Africa that malaria has gained its greatest foothold and where it is responsible for the most fatalities - mostly among the poorest of the poor.  However, nobody is truly immune from malaria. It is therefore imperative that leisure and business travellers are at all times made aware of the risks associated with malaria and how to prevent possible infection.

The carrier of the malaria parasite is the smallest Anopheles mosquito.  Although there are times when malaria is very much less active, it is important to remember that you are at risk at any time of year when entering a malarial area. 
There are critical lines of defence to observe when it comes to malaria prevention.

The first line of defence is: "Don't get bitten!"

Personal protective measures against mosquito bites are the cornerstone of malaria prevention, whether in a high or a low risk area

• Know the risks of the area that you are travelling to/deployed in
• Wear long sleeved clothing and long pants from dusk until dawn when you are outside
• Sleep under mosquito nets
• Use lotions, sprays, and coils to kill or repel mosquitoes
• Stay in rooms with screening in front of the doors and windows
• Use fans or air conditioners where possible. 

The second line of defence, and a critical one, is: "Be sure to take malaria chemoprophylaxis measures as advised by your doctor or travel clinic."

• It is important to remember that there are only three types of medicine that are effective in Africa.   This medicine, which is only 95% safe, is also suitable for long-term use.
• It is essential that each person be individually evaluated in order to determine which medication is the most appropriate for him/her.
• Medication must be taken according to instructions and continued for the prescribed time after leaving the malaria area. 

The third line of defence is: "Be alert to any signs of illness after visiting a malarial area, no matter what time of year it is!"

Please bear the following points in mind if you fall ill after returning from a visit to a malarial area, whether it's ‘low risk' geographically, or if your visit took place during a ‘low risk' period:

• Malaria can develop as early as seven days after entering a malarial area and for up to six months after leaving a malarial area.
• Early symptoms include fever, flu-like symptoms (chills, headache, body aches, joint pains, coughing etc.) and gastro-intestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pains).  If you have any of these symptoms, have yourself tested for malaria immediately
• Severe malaria including cerebral malaria, severe anaemia, kidney failure etc. can develop within hours, so immediate action is needed.
• Please note that a negative test does not necessarily exclude malaria.

Strict adherence and compliance to ALL three of the above lines of defence are needed to ensure maximum protection against malaria.
 
Sources:
World Malaria Day, www.worldmalariaday.org/
Malaria Journal, www.malariajournal.com/
Malaria in South Africa, www.malaria.org.za