Four Ways To Survive Malaria-Risk Destinations

Malaria is often transmitted to humans through a bite by an infected mosquito, particularly the female Anopheles mosquito, known as a dusk-to-dawn biter. The infection is also transmitted through blood transfusion with an infected blood, or with a shared needle. A mother could also pass the infection to her unborn child.

Malaria is considered an endemic or constantly present throughout the sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, Oceania, Haiti, Central and South America, some parts of Dominican Republic, Mexico, and North Africa. Within these areas, malaria cases can increase significantly depending on the epidemic level. Most of the wonderful and new resorts are often prone to Malaria.

How To Prevent Malaria During Travel

1. Get vaccinated before traveling to endemic areas. Antimalarial drugs are only prescribed; consult your health provider so you could get your vaccine base on your travel itinerary and medical history. Common antimalarial drugs include atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline and mefloquine.

2. Avoid mosquito bites. Malaria is always transmitted between dusk and dawn. Take precautions like staying inside as much as possible during those times. If staying outdoor, make sure that you wear a long-sleeve shirt, pants and even a hat. Always apply insect repellent to the exposed skin.

3. If you get sick during the travel, consult a medical professional immediately. Malaria can be very fatal. If you develop a fever or flu-like and professional help is impossible within 24 hours, take some self-treatment drugs. However, you still have to get to the doctor as soon as possible.

4. Get your children vaccinated 4-6 weeks before travel. If you're traveling with kids to Malaria-risk places, you have to assure their safety besides rubbing repellent on their skin.