You're a savvy traveler so you've probably thought of everything. But chances are, you haven't thought about malaria.
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While uncommon in the United States, malaria still poses a threat in areas of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Approximately 300 to 500 million people worldwide become infected with the disease each year. In addition:
But these statistics shouldn't keep you from traveling. By doing a little research and taking some simple precautions, you can pack your bags, head off to exciting new places and keep healthy and safe.
A:
Malaria can be a life-threatening disease caused by any one of four types of parasites, including the most serious of them all, Plasmodium falciparum.
It may be surprising to learn that the parasite enters the bloodstream with the help of a mosquito. A single bite from the infected female mosquito could pass along the parasite, in turn, infecting you.
Once in the bloodstream, the parasite moves directly to the liver. Here, it grows and multiplies. At this stage, an infected person may not even realize he or she is sick, since no signs or symptoms are present.
The parasite usually resides in the liver anywhere from six days to several months. After leaving the liver, the parasite invades the red blood cells. Then, the red blood cells burst, releasing chemicals into the bloodstream, causing symptoms.
People who have contracted malaria may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Other common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and jaundice. These symptoms may occur immediately, or surface several months after traveling abroad. If you do experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. If you experience any of these symptoms after traveling, please see your health care provider. If left untreated, malaria can result in kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, a coma, or possibly death.
A: Malaria is more prevalent than you think. You may be at risk if you are visiting a country where malaria is common. Check out our interactive map to see if malaria might be a concern on your trip.
A range of questions you may wish to ask your healthcare professional to ensure you are fully armed with all the information you need to have a safe holiday:
Fortunately, malaria is preventable. You can help minimize your risk by following a few simple, but important, steps outlined below.
Discuss your travel plans with your doctor.
Make an appointment with your healthcare professional as early as possible before you head off. If you don't have the chance to plan ahead, it's still a good idea to see your doctor anytime before you travel. If you're visiting a high-risk location, your doctor may recommend MALARONE, an effective medication for the prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Begin planning early on for your trip.
Before you pack your bags, it's a good idea to assess the health risks of your destination. This way you can be more prepared and relaxed for your journey.
Ward off mosquitoes using a DEET insect spray
Spray your hotel room, your tent, or wherever you stay with a safe insecticide containing DEET. Be sure to also spray yourself with insect repellent that's safe to use on your skin.
Sleep under a bed net.
If the room you are staying in is not screened in or air-conditioned, use a net covered in Permethrin insecticide. It's the next best defense against mosquitoes.
Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts
Be sure to cover up, especially during dusk to dawn or evening hours, when mosquitoes are usually out and about. Doing so will make it more difficult for a mosquito to bite you.
Take a preventive medication
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take prescription medication to prevent a malaria infection. MALARONE is an option for the prevention of P. falciparum malaria, even in areas where malaria has developed resistance to chloroquine, an older antimalarial. MALARONE is the #1 prescribed antimalarial product in the U.S.
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