Malaria advice

Awareness of risk;

You are going to a country in which malaria is known to be transmitted. It is transmitted by Mosquito bite. 10 people died of malaria after returning to Britain in 1992. Even the briefest visit to an infected area may cause malaria, the symptoms of which may be delayed for weeks or months.

Pregnant women and people who have had their spleen removed are particularly susceptible to malaria.

There are drugs which dramatically reduce the chances of you getting malaria, the best drug depends on the area you are visiting.

Bites from mosquitos;

Best avoided, not only are they uncomfortable, but no drug gives complete protection against Malaria, and other diseases can be transmitted by insect bite.

Buy an insect repellant spray containing at least 30% DEET in England and use it on all exposed skin after dark every 2-4 hours, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeved clothing and long trousers after dark.

Sleep in a properly screened room and use a knockdown flyspray to kill any mosquitos that may have entered the room during the day. If sleeping in a non-screened room, use mosquito nets round the bed at night, checking that there are no holes and tucking the edges under the mattress before nightfall; protection may be increased by impregnating the netting with Permethrin every 6 months.

Use mosquito coils (available worldwide) quite safe and last 6-8 hours.

Continue to take the drugs to prevent malaria for at least 4 weeks after your return to England, and if you become ill within 3 months, be sure to tell your Doctor that you have been abroad.

Malaria causes temperature, malaise, headache and muscle pain. The commonest misdiagnosis is influenza.