Malaria - one of the biggest child killers in Africa

We all know that low yet constant buzzing sound of a mosquito that can drive you to distraction in the wee hours of the night!
But, when you hear that annoying sound, do you spare a thought for the 3 000 children in Sub-Saharan Africa that die from malaria each day after being bitten by a malaria carrying mosquito?

The number of malaria infections and deaths are indeed staggering. According to UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, malaria kills over one million people each year worldwide, with more than 80 percent of these deaths occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, every 30 seconds an African child, mostly under five years of age, dies of malaria. Over and above this, 300 to 500 million people are annually infected with this disease.

25 April marks Africa Malaria Day and although malaria is not quite as prevalent in South Africa as in our neighbouring countries, malaria carrying mosquitoes do not always keep within pre-determined borders. According to statistics from the Department of Health, the low areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North East of KwaZulu-Natal are still malaria hotspots.

Malaria is transmitted to man by the Anopheles-mosquito. Because nobody is immune to malaria, GEMS would like to remind its members that whether travelling for business or leisure you are always at risk when entering a malarial area, especially within Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. GEMS, South Africa's second largest medical scheme, would like to share with its members the critical lines of defence when it comes to malaria prevention.  

The fist line of defence: Do not get bitten!
Personal protective measures against mosquito bites are the cornerstone of malaria prevention, whether in a high or a low risk area. It is therefore critical that you are aware of the risks of the area that you are travelling to or are deployed in.

Also ensure that you:
* 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: Be sure to take malaria chemoprophylaxis measures as advised by your doctor or travel clinic.
This is a critical line of defence. It is also important to remember that there are only three types of medication that are effective in Africa. This medication, which is only 95 percent 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 or her. Thereafter the medication must be taken according to instructions and continued for the prescribed time after leaving the malaria area. 

The third line of defence: 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," cautions GEMS.  By doing all this you can ensure you or one of your family members do not become another malaria-death statistic.

If you do develop any signs of malaria within a month of entering a malaria risk area - even if you think it is just flu - it is imperative to see your doctor immediately. If you are travelling and you are unsure whether you should take malaria-medication, you can phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your health and well being.