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| Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite which is carried from person to person by infected mosquitoes. If you suspect that you are having an attack of malaria seek medical help immediately. COMMON SYMPTOMS Fever, chills, headache, cough, stomach pains, diarrhoea, vomiting which may mislead you into thinking some other disease is responsible. The fever and chills could be due to an infection not specific to the area being visited such as flu or other viruses. As a general rule, if you develop a fever in an area where malaria is known to be present or you have passed through a malaria zone then start a course of treatment as advised by your doctor. Malaria is transmitted by infected female mosquitoes that feed on human blood. The mosquito bite injects the malaria parasite into the blood stream, which then travels to the liver. Once in the liver the parasite develops, when it re-enters the bloodstream again. Once in the bloodstream they invade the red blood cells where they multiply quickly. The number of parasites increases until the blood cell bursts, when this happens the parasites then attack other red blood cells and so the cycle of infection continues. REMEMBER - Malaria can take weeks or months to develop after being bitten. Seek medical advice as soon as possible. Malaria is particularly prevalent in tropical regions and occurs in Central and South America, Africa, Sub Saharan Africa, Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia and Australasia. For a map showing the areas in the world affected by malaria CLICK HERE PRECAUTIONS You can limit the risk of contracting malaria by taking the following measures. Use mosquito repellent on both your clothes and your skin. Keep arms, legs and feet covered. Stay indoors from dusk. Sleep under mosquito netting and, if possible in an air conditioned room.. |
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| DISCLAIMER: This information is to complement and not replace the relationship with your family doctor. Always discuss your travel health requirements with your regular doctor or practice nurse. | |||
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