Many people do not think of malaria as being a dangerous illness, but in fact it can be very hazardous to one's health, particularly when left untreated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are around 216 million cases of malaria and an estimated 665 000 deaths from the disease every year. In addition to being a killer, malaria can be extremely debilitating, making many people who contract it both sickly and unproductive.
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of malaria and how it can be prevented and treated this World Malaria Day, 25 April 2012.
What causes it?
Malaria is carried and spread by the Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito may become a carrier of the disease after biting a person infected with malaria. If the mosquito goes on to bite other people it may inject malaria parasites into their bloodstream and also infect them with the disease.
Where is it found?
In South Africa, the disease is found in the northern parts of the country in places such as the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and on the Maputaland coast of northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Both the mosquito and the disease it carries are much more common during the summer rainy season, but cases of the disease are also sometimes reported during the winter months. Malaria is also found in parts of other southern African countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Malawi.
Protect yourself
Travellers to these regions should take care to protect themselves from the disease. There are a number of ways you can do this and because malaria is so dangerous it is best to take every possible step to make sure you and your family do not catch the illness.
Many people who live in malaria areas develop a partial immunity to the disease. However, this partial immunity is lost after a person lives in a malaria free area, such as Johannesburg or Durban, for a period of a year or more. Those individuals who are returning home after spending time in malaria-free areas should also therefore take steps to protect themselves from the disease.
Preventative medication
Those who are travelling to a malaria area should visit their healthcare provider or a travel clinic to see whether they will need to take a preventative medication or prophylaxis before leaving.
Prophylaxis does not necessarily stop a person from getting malaria, but it does offer a good measure of protection and at least usually stops one from getting the disease in its more serious forms. Malaria prophylaxis is an important instrument in the fight against malaria and travellers should certainly consider using it if they are going to a malaria area.
Your doctor will advise you on how you should take the medication and it is important to follow his or her instructions. Some types of prophylaxis need to be taken a week prior to you leaving on your trip, so do not leave your visit to the doctor too late. Prophylaxis should also usually be taken for a month after returning from a malaria area.
Other preventative measures
Travellers to and residents in malaria areas should do everything they can to prevent themselves from getting bitten by mosquitoes. This will help them to avoid catching malaria.
Residents in malaria areas should cooperate with all official spraying programmes, which destroy large numbers of mosquitoes and help to prevent people from getting the illness.
The following are some steps you can take to ensure that you don't get bitten by malaria carrying mosquitoes:
High-risk individuals
Some people are at high risk of developing serious complications from malaria and cannot take prophylaxis to help protect themselves. They should avoid malaria areas altogether. If this is impossible or they live in a malaria area they should take special precautions not to be bitten by mosquitoes.
People who should not travel to malaria areas or who should take extra precautions if they live in malaria areas include:
What to watch for
The symptoms of malaria may be varied and include headache, fever, diarrhoea, muscular and joint pains, sweating, fever, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms usually occur between 10 and 15 days after an infected mosquito bites you, although sometimes they only appear some months later. You should therefore watch out for any of these symptoms and immediately visit your doctor should they appear. Do not make the mistake of thinking you just have flu or some other mild illness that will go away on its own. Malaria that is left untreated may become complicated and very dangerous.
Protect yourself
Malaria is a potentially hazardous and even deadly illness, but we can do much to ensure that we avoid contracting it. Those who take the necessary precautions are investing in their health and protecting themselves and their families. Finally, anyone who suspects they may have caught the disease should visit a doctor immediately. Early treatment can ensure that malaria does not cause serious complications.
For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.
Sources:
Malaria in South Africa, www.malaria.org.za
World Health Organisation, www.who.int/topics/malaria/en/
World Health Organisation, www.who.int/mediacentre/events/annual/malaria/en/
Malaria Journal, www.malariajournal.com/
0860 00 4367 (Call Centre) [email protected] More Contacts >