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FACTS ABOUT
MALARIA
Who is at risk of getting
malaria?
Anyone who lives in or travels to a country where there are
malaria infected people and mosquitoes are at risk. The map on
this page indicates high-risk areas – both local and
cross-border. Make sure you know what the malaria risk status
is for your destination BEFORE you leave.
How soon do
the symptoms of malaria appear?
The time between a mosquito bite and the start of the illness
is usually about 21 days.
What are the
symptoms of malaria?
Flu-like symptoms like fever, coughing and head-aches may
appear
You may have stomachache and diarrhea
You may have pain in your bones, muscles and joints
How is
malaria diagnosed?
You need to have a blood test to check for malaria parasites
in your blood. Malaria must be treated with the correct
medication, as it can result in kidney and liver failure, coma
and death if left untreated.
THE SAFE USE OF
MALARIA MEDICATION
Over-the-counter
malaria medicine from your pharmacy is no longer effective in
preventing malaria, as the malaria parasite has become immune
to traditional malaria treatments – speak to your doctor for
advice on which the best medication to take is.
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Start your
medication one or two weeks before travel, continue
throughout the trip and keep taking it for about four
weeks after your return.
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Follow the
recommended doses exactly as prescribed
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Take your
pills after meals on the same day each week, and later on,
at the same time each day.
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Do not stop
taking the pills after arriving home – complete the full
dosage.
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If you have
any medical conditions like epilepsy, heart problems or
allergies, mention this to your doctor so that he can
prescribe a safe malaria treatment suited to your
condition.
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No treatment
is 100% effective. If you have "flu-like"
symptoms after you have been to a malaria risk area,
consult your doctor.
PREVENTION IS
BETTER THAN CURE!
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Please
consult your health care adviser about three weeks before
the start of your trip for advice on the best prescription
malaria medication available.
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Remain
indoors between dusk and dawn – malaria
mosquitoes only bite at night!
Spray inside areas with insect spray after you have closed
up all windows and doors for the night.
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Drivers
beware – spray insect spray inside the cab and let it
stand for about 5-10 minutes with all windows and doors
closed.
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Do not sit
inside the cab while spraying – the poison is for the
mozzies – not you!
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Use an
insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin,
especially at night.
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Wear
long-sleeved, light coloured clothing, trousers and socks
when outdoors sleep under a mosquito-proof bed net that
has been treated with insect repellent.
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If you have
travelled into a malaria risk area and you experience any
flu-like symptoms– consult your doctor
immediately!
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Choose your
overnight stops with care - risk will be lowest in
buildings with doors and windows fitted with insect
screens.
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Air
conditioners and fans are also effective in keeping
mosquitoes at bay.
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