• Cholera
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese B Encephalitis
• Malaria
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Polio
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Malaria

What is it:

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal tropical disease spread by infected mosquitoes which is still widespread in many tropical and subtropical countries; it only takes one infected mosquito for you to become infected. All types of malaria are dangerous, but the most dangerous is caused by the falciparum parasite. If you are travelling to a malaria infected area, then it is important to heed advice. Most UK travellers who catch Malaria do so as a result of not taking Malaria tablets or don’t take the right tablets for the right area that they are visiting. If you think you are travelling to a Malaria infected area, always contact your doctor who can advise the correct prevention advice.

Risk areas:

Over 100 countries. In 2008 there were an estimated 243 million cases (WHO World Malaria report 2009). Most cases and deaths occur in the sub Saharan Africa; however Asia, Latin America, Middle East and some parts of Europe are affected.

Transmission:

Takes place when a human is bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms:

Symptoms can develop within eight days, however occasionally the parasite may stay in your body and symptoms may not develop for up to one year. If you have been travelling to a malaria infected area and develop flu like symptoms within a year of returning you should go to your doctor as a precaution. Symptoms can include fever, sweats and chills, feeling unwell, muscle pains, headaches, cough and diarrhoea.

Prevention:

It is near impossible to prevent mosquito bites altogether, but prevention is a good start. The risk of travelling to a malaria infected area can be high, so it is important to be aware of prevention. Many cases can be prevented by an ABCD approach (NHS Mar 2010);

• Awareness of risk: know your risk of malaria
• Bite prevention: avoid bites as much as possible
• Chemoprophylaxis – take the right anti-malarial tablets
• Diagnosis – get immediate medical help for symptoms.

• If possible stay somewhere with a good air-conditioning system and screening on doors and windows or try to stay somewhere where doors and windows close
• Sleep under a mosquito net and ensure that this has no holes in it and has been treated with insecticide
• Use insect repellent (on your skin and where you are sleeping)
• Try to use DEET repellent as this is one of the most effective
• Try to wear long sleeve and full length light clothing, rather than leaving you uncovered, particularly during early mornings and early evenings when mosquitoes are prevalent.

Anti malarial tablets:

These are not 100% foolproof so it is essential that you also cover up. You must visit your doctor to ensure that you get the right anti-malarial tablets. You must follow the instructions from your doctor, and always complete the course after you return from your trip. Even if you have taken anti-malarial tablets previously, you should not assume that they are the correct type for where you are visiting.

Treatment:

If you suffer from any symptoms after you have returned from a malaria infected area, then you must seek immediate medical advice.

Malaria and pregnancy:

The World Health Organization advises against travel of pregnant women to infected areas, as the physical changes in your body can make you more susceptible to mosquito bites.

Vaccine

If you are travelling to a malaria infected area (or are unsure) visit your GP for anti-malarial advice.