CHECK UP:Malaria is not just a threat to teenage backpackers travelling for months in tropical parts, writes MARION KERR.
In a couple of weeks I will be travelling to Central America on a business trip. As I’ll be there for only a couple of days, is there any need to see my doctor for anti-malaria treatment?
Malaria is an infection of the red blood cells. It is most commonly spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. If bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito, the malaria parasite can enter the blood stream, where it moves to the liver and multiplies.
Malaria can cause a serious, and, in some cases, fatal illness. Although malaria is often perceived as only a threat to teenage backpackers travelling for months in tropical parts, the mosquito is happy to bite anyone regardless of the purpose of their visit to the region.
Anyone planning to travel abroad should first find out if their destination is a malaria hotspot. You can do this by logging on to www. malariahotspots.ie or by consulting your GP or local pharmacist. Malaria hotspots include many countries now routinely visited by Irish travellers. These include parts of Turkey, Mexico, Thailand, South Africa and Central America. Coincidentally, this is Malaria Awareness Week (25-30th May). The campaign aims to encourage Irish travellers to find out if they are travelling to a malaria risk zone before they leave home.
What can I do to protect myself from the risk of malaria?
You should consult your GP or tropical health clinic a number of weeks before you travel for advice on the use of prophylactic malaria medications. This type of medication is usually taken before travel, while away and for some time after you return home.
Anti-malaria medications often produce side effects and are not suitable for everyone. The decision about the use of anti-malaria medication and its course of treatment will very much depend on a number of factors including your age, health status, current medication and travel destination.
Prophylactic medication is not always 100 per cent effective and you should therefore take every precaution while you are away to avoid mosquito bites. Where possible ask for a room with screens over the windows and doors.
Use a mosquito net over the bed and spray it with a mosquito repellent. Wear light coloured clothes which cover the arms and legs fully.
Use a high quality repellent at all times and, if possible, avoid going outdoors in the evening when mosquitoes are more active.