Malaria

MALARIA

Travelling in Southern Africa you are at great risk of contracting malaria, a serious parasitic infection transmitted by a female mosquito, the Anopheles.

The most dangerous falciparum type is common in Southern Africa – prevention therefore is the most important step to take. Mosquitoes bite mainly between dusk and dawn.

Reduce exposure to mosquitoes: wear long trousers and long sleeves, use insect repellent and mosquito nets at night. Take anti-malaria drugs as discussed with your healthcare professional (depending on your health status and the travel destination).

Fever and any flu-like symptoms occurring in or after having been to a malaria area are strongly suspicious of malaria! You should seek medical ad- vice even if you are on chemo prophylaxis. Untreated malaria falciparum may lead to liver (jaundice) and kidney (black water fever) malfunction, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath and cerebral malaria (delirium, fits, coma), which can be fatal if untreated. The less dangerous types of malaria lead to relapsing fever cycles that can continue for many years.

Rehydration and seek medical treatment as soon as possible!

Always tell your doctor that you have been to Malaria-risk areas!

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