To protect against malaria when traveling

Effective measures to protect against malaria

04/25/2014

Malaria is an infectious disease that occurs mainly in the tropics and subtropics. It is caused by the pathogen Plasmodium, which is transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. When traveling to the tropics, effective malaria protection is essential, as the disease can be life-threatening.

Malaria can be life threatening
If the unicellular pathogen reaches the human body via the bite of anopheles mosquito, fever, chills, headache, nausea and vomiting as well as joint pain can result. Most of the complaints occur only ten to 15 days after the mosquito bite. In addition, neurological impairments may develop, such as seizures and paralysis. If left untreated, malaria can be life-threatening. Those affected usually suffer from impaired consciousness and then fall into a coma, from which they no longer awaken. In general, the disease runs with very different symptoms and manifestations.

The malaria areas include Africa, Asia and Latin America. If you want to travel to these or other tropical and subtropical countries, you can find out about the malaria risk on the website of the German Tropical Society.

Professor Thomas Löscher, Head of the Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine at the Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital in Munich, explained to the news agency „dpa“ On the occasion of World Malaria Day, how travelers can effectively protect themselves against the infectious disease.

To protect against malaria keep mosquitoes away from the body
Löscher advises to keep mosquitoes away from the body from the outset. This can be done with so-called repellents, mosquito-repelling agents, which usually contain the active ingredient DEET. They are applied directly to the skin. The drug Icaridin is better for pregnant women and children, explains the expert. Repellents work only a few hours, so the remedy must then be reapplied. Another useful measure to protect against malaria is the impregnation of clothing and mosquito nets, which should be used wherever biting or blood-sucking insects occur and can transmit other diseases such as dengue fever. The impregnation provides protection for about two to three months, says Löscher.

Malaria profilax drugs can have strong side effects
Those who decide to take preventive antimalarial drugs before traveling to the tropics or subtropics should first familiarize themselves with the possible side effects. Löscher advises to take such remedies only if the malaria risk in the target area is higher than the probability of suffering from the rare but severe side effects.

If a malaria infection occurs, should be acted quickly. Usually the patient receives a combination preparation based on Artemisininen, in severe disease courses, the drugs must be given in the form of infusions. (Ag)