HEALTH ADVICE – AVOIDING MALARIA

Depending on where you’re going on holiday it is important to take precautions regarding Malaria. You can always talk to us to ask advice, either come in to see us or telephone on 01535 634727 or email us at info@crosshillspharmacy.co.uk

Avoiding Malaria

What is malaria?

Malaria is a serious infection. It is common in tropical countries such as parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. It is caused by a parasite called plasmodium that lives in mosquitoes. The parasite is passed to humans from a mosquito bite. There are four types of plasmodium that cause malaria. Plasmodium falciparium is usually the most serious of the four. Each year over 2000 people in the UK develop malaria which has been caught whilst abroad.

Preventing malaria - four steps

1. Be aware of the risks, and avoid them if possible.
2. Avoid mosquito bites.
3. Take anti-malarial medication regularly exactly as prescribed.
4. If symptoms of malaria develop (such as fever), seek medical help urgently.

You can avoid mosquito bites, or reduce the number of bites, by the following:

v Sleep in rooms that are properly screened with close fitting gauze over windows & doors.

v Spray the bedroom with insecticide just before evening. This kills mosquitoes that may have come into the room during the day.

v If you sleep outdoors or in an unscreened room, use mosquito nets impregnated with an insecticide. The net should be long enough to fall to the floor all round your bed and be tucked under the mattress.

v Use an electric mat to vaporise insecticide overnight. Burning a mosquito coil is an alternative.

v Apply insect repellent to clothing or exposed skin. Diethyltoluamide (DEET) is safe and effective, but take advice on the best repellent in the area you visit.

v Mosquitoes are most active at dusk. If you go out after dusk apply insect repellent to exposed parts of the skin. Wear long sleeved clothing, trousers, and socks.

Anti-malarial medication

The best medication to take depends on the country you visit. This is because the type of parasite varies between different parts of the world. Also, in some areas the parasite has become resistant to some medicines.

1. Seek advice for each new trip abroad. There is a changing pattern of resistance to some medicines by the parasites. Your pharmacist is updated regularly on the best medication to take for each country.
2. Take the medication exactly as advised. This may include starting medication before a planned trip. This allows the level of medicine in your body to become effective. It gives time to check for any side-effects before travelling. Continue with medication for the time advised after returning home.
3. The most common reason for malaria to develop in travellers is because the anti-malarial medication is not taken correctly. For example, some doses may be missed, forgotten, or the tablets may be stopped too soon after returning from the journey.
4. You can buy some anti-malarial medicines at pharmacies without a prescription. Those that are 'prescription only' require a private prescription.
5.  Side-effects are usually minor or uncommon with anti-malarial medicines. Usually it is best to take the medication after meals to reduce possible side-effects.
6.  If you experience any side-effects or worrying signs contact your GP. If this may be due to the malaria medication your prescription may be changed.
7.  Medication is only a part of protection. It is not 100% effective and does not guarantee that you will not get malaria. The advice above on avoiding mosquito bites  is just as important, even when you are taking anti-malarial medication.

Symptoms of malaria

Symptoms are similar to 'flu. They include fever, shivers, sweating, backache, joint pains, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sometimes delirium. Symptoms may take a week or more to develop after being bitten by a mosquito. Occasionally, it takes a year or more for symptoms to develop. Therefore, suspect malaria in anyone with a feverish illness who has travelled to a malaria area within the past year - in particular, if symptoms occur within three months.

Special situations

• Pregnant women are at particular risk of severe malaria, and should, ideally, not go to malaria-risk areas.
• Non-pregnant women taking mefloquine should avoid becoming pregnant. Continue with contraception for three months after the last dose.
• If you have epilepsy, kidney failure, some forms of mental illness, and some other uncommon illnesses, you may have a restricted choice of antimalarial medication. See your GP.
• Travellers going to remote places far from medical facilities sometimes take emergency medication with them. This can be used to treat suspected malaria until proper medical care is available.