Malaria – it only takes one bite!
All it can take is one bite from an infected mosquito to get this serious and sometimes fatal disease.
The pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has a very informative web site http://www.malariafacts.ca/index.html to help travellers understand the travel risk of Malaria in some of the most popular sun destinations for Canadian.
Thousands of Canadians travel to the Dominican Republic and other parts of the Caribbean without knowing they’re at risk of contracting malaria. You may be one of them.
Before your next trip, ask your doctor about how to prevent malaria. Protect yourself, and come back with memories, not malaria. For more information on health issues visit GlaxoSmithKline web site http://www.gsk.ca/english/index.html
How Malaria Spreads
Malaria, a serious, sometimes fatal disease, is caused by a parasite that’s carried by mosquitoes. You can be infected if you’re bitten by an infected mosquito.
Most people believe they’re not at risk for malaria because they don’t realize they are visiting an area that has infected mosquitoes. The problem is, infected mosquitoes are found in many countries around the world. Mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite are found in large areas of Central and South America, Africa, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Approximately 40% of the people in the world live in areas at risk for malaria.
The Caribbean – including certain areas of the Dominican Republic – and other popular vacation spots are also home to malaria and the mosquitoes that spread it. In fact, you could be exposed to malaria even when you’re staying at a top-rated resort.
Here’s why:
Malaria is spread from the bite of a mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it ingests the malaria parasites found in that person’s blood. After one week or more, the mosquito can spread the parasite to other people.
Malaria Symptoms
If you’re bitten by an infected mosquito, the parasite could enter your bloodstream and travel to your liver where it grows and multiplies. During the time the parasite is in the liver, there are no visible symptoms of the infection and you may not feel sick.
The parasite may stay in the liver for as little as eight days or as long as several months to years. After it leaves the liver, it enters red blood cells and continues to grow and multiply. The red blood cells burst, freeing the parasite to attack other red blood cells. It’s during this time that the symptoms of malaria may begin to surface.
For most people, symptoms begin 10 days to four weeks after being bitten by a malaria-infected mosquito. Malaria often produces flu-like symptoms, including:
• fever
• shaking
• chills
• headache
• muscle aches
• sweats
• tiredness
You may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia and jaundice. If not treated promptly, certain species of malaria parasites may also cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma and death.
If you experience a fever during your trip or within three months of returning home, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Protect Yourself
If your travel plans are taking you to the Dominican Republic or other parts of the Caribbean, you may be at risk for malaria. Many people believe they’ve been vaccinated for malaria when there is no malaria vaccine available. And all it can take is one bite from an infected mosquito to become infected and sick with malaria. In fact, more than 10,000 worldwide travelers fall ill with malaria after returning home from malaria-endemic areas.
Of course, nothing beats a beach vacation – especially during the long Canadian winter. But it’s important to make sure you come home with memories, not malaria.
That’s why the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends you avoid mosquito bites and take prescription medicine to help prevent malaria infection. Your doctor will determine which antimalarial medication is right for you based on a number of factors, such as:
Your destination. Different regions have different types of malaria parasites. Your doctor will need to know where you will be traveling in order to prescribe the antimalarial most appropriate for your destination.
Your medical history. All antimalarials can cause side effects, but some should not be taken if you have certain medical conditions. Let your doctor know of any medical problems you have or have had in the past, and provide a list of all the prescription or non-prescription medications you are currently taking.
Your date of departure. Dosing schedules are different for each antimalarial medication. Some are taken 1-2 weeks in advance, and others can be taken 1-2 days before you travel. Your date of departure will help your doctor decide which dosing schedule is most appropriate for you. Remember: It’s never too late to protect yourself. Some medications only need to be started a day or two before you travel.
Your personal preference regarding the length of therapy. Taking your antimalarial medication exactly as prescribed is very important. Some medications are taken weekly, and continued for a few weeks upon your return. Others must be taken daily, but for a shorter period of time. Talk to your doctor about the treatment schedule that meets your personal needs.
Your private insurance plan. Although costs for some antimalarials are not reimbursed by the government, they are often covered by private insurance. Let your doctor know if you have a private or public insurance plan.
See your doctor about the antimalarial that’s right for you and follow these simple guidelines to reduce your risk of infection:
Know your risk. Are you travelling to a country where malaria is common? If so, ask your doctor about your medication options before you leave.
Take medication that can help prevent malaria. And when you do, take it exactly on schedule without missing doses. It’s never too late to protect yourself before your trip.
Use insect repellent with the ingredient DEET on your skin.
Sleep under a mosquito bednet that has been dipped in permethrin insecticide if you are not staying in a screened or air-conditioned room.
Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when possible, especially from dusk until dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Talk To Your Doctor
Sometimes, all it takes is one mosquito bite to become infected and sick with malaria. The worst part is, malaria can be fatal.
But it is possible to protect yourself and your family, no matter where your travels take you. It’s never too late to talk to your doctor about your medication options to help prevent malaria before you travel.
Here are a few things your doctor may want to know:
• Where you plan to travel
• How soon are you travelling
• If you’re planning to stay in the city or you’re going to the country
• If you’re planning visits to other countries while on this trip
• Other medications you’re taking
• Any prior medical conditions
• If you have had any allergic reactions to medication
• If you have a drug plan
Talk to your doctor about:
• Your medication options to prevent malaria
• How long you need to take your medication before your trip
• How long you need to take your medication after you’ve returned home
• The importance of finishing all your medication – you can become infected with malaria if you don’t finish all of your medication
Be sure to print off this handy checklist and take it with you to your appointment.
Don’t take any chances, travel Safe & Secure with Prime Link Travel Health Insurance www.primelinkinsurance.ca
Bon Voyage
Mark Anevich
Travel Insurance Expert
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