The truth about vaccines
How To Avoid Malaria
By Fred Mawer, The Mail on Sunday
When Henry Trumpington returned from a holiday in the Gambia he brought back with him a host of great memories - and a disease that nearly claimed his life. Three days after arriving home, Henry, a 48-year-old London barrister, started to develop flu-like symptoms.
He wasn't too worried at first, putting his condition down to a common cold virus and ruling out malaria because he didn't realise the disease's incubation period could be so short.
Map showing areas in the world where malaria occurs
But malaria is exactly what Henry did have and, by the time he ended up in hospital, he was very ill, with internal bleeding and 'dementia of biblical proportions', as he puts it.
'My mother was told I had a 30 per cent chance of survival,' adds Henry, who has now completely recovered.
His plight is far from unique. Every year, there are around 2,000 reported cases of imported malaria in the UK; and in 2003, the most recent year for which figures are available, 16 people died from the disease.
The actual number of British travellers contracting malaria is almost certainly far higher than 2,000 - partly because it is not a legally notifiable disease and partly because the figure doesn't reflect those who were cured of, or died from, malaria while abroad.
Travellers to sub-Saharan Africa are at greatest risk. Over half the UK's reported cases come from this part of the world, home to the most lethal strain, Plasmodium falciparum.
Dr Philip Monk, consultant in health protection in Leicestershire and member of the Malaria Awareness Panel, comes across more problems relating to the Gambia than anywhere else.
He says: 'As it's a mainstream package holiday destination, people think it's like going to the Balearics. It's not. There are precautions you must take, especially in the rainy season when the risk of catching malaria is much higher.'
Henry didn't take precautions, knowing he was going to the Gambia at the beginning of its dry season. When he got there, however, it was still quite wet.
It's important to note that you can pick up malaria not just on safaris, but on beach holidays. You also need to protect yourself if you're travelling to large swathes of South-East Asia and South America. And the malarial map keeps changing. The Health Protection Agency recently issued a warning about the Caribbean's Dominican Republic, where 12 tourists caught the disease last year.
Malaria causes more than one million deaths worldwide each year. Scientists are making progress on a vaccine, but it is likely to be at least ten years before it will be widely available.
So if you are planning to head to a malarial area, what should you do to minimise the risks?
Keep taking the tablets
You can greatly reduce the chances of getting malaria by taking anti-malaria pills. Bear in mind that in many parts of the world the malaria parasite has developed resistance to the common drugs, so it's vital to take the right ones.
Many travellers become ill because they decide not to take any anti-malarials at all. Disease rates are especially high among those who've moved from a malarial area to the UK, and then return to visit friends and family. Often such people believe they still have immunity - but immunity wears off rapidly.
Concerns about side-effects may also lead to a decision not to take anti-malarials. This has been especially true with Lariam - widely prescribed for travellers going to sub-Saharan Africa, where the old chloroquine/proguanil regime is no longer effective. But there is a relatively new alternative - Malarone, which health experts say is nearly as effective and for which reported side-effects are rare.
Dr Monk says Malarone is now his first choice, and that of many other specialists, for anyone visiting sub-Saharan Africa. As well as the reduced likelihood of side-effects, you need to start taking the drug only 24 to 48 hours before going to the malarial area, and to continue taking it for seven days after returning home.
With other anti-malarials, you normally need to begin the course a week before travel, and persist with it for four weeks after your trip. This means many people fail to complete their course - one of the most common reasons for contracting malaria.
A further major plus for Malarone is that, unlike Lariam, it can be given to children (provided they weigh more than 24lb). According to Dr Monk, Malarone's only drawback is its cost - roughly twice as much as Lariam. Consult a health professional to establish which anti-malarial is best for you. The advice will vary, depending on your medical history, where you are going and how you are travelling (eg roughing it, or staying in luxury hotels).
Don't let the bed bugs bite
None of the anti-malarials is 100 per cent effective, so it is equally important to try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. When outdoors, cover up from dusk onwards and apply insect repellents. There is a daunting range on the market, so which do you go for?
'If you're going to a high-risk area, I would recommend using a product with 50 per cent Deet (diethyl toluamide),' says Nigel Hill, who tests mosquito repellents at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
'It will offer substantially longer protection and a greater degree of protection than products with less, or those with natural active ingredients.'
However, Deet can cause skin reactions and one school of thought says you should not use it on children. But Nigel says that if he were going to a malarial area with his young children, he would use a 50 per cent Deet product on them, too.
'Malaria is far more worrying than a skin reaction,' he says. If, nonetheless, you do want to avoid Deet, Nigel recommends Mosi-guard Natural.
He has a few other useful tips including the advice that no repellent will be effective for more than five hours - despite manufacturers' claims. And don't rely on aftersuns with repellents: they simply don't contain enough.
At night, if you have air-conditioning keep it on (mosquitoes don't like turbulent air). And make sure to use those electrical devices that heat up mats of insecticide; they are much more reliably effective than the mosquito coils that you burn, says Nigel.
WHO Certifies Egypt As Malaria-Free, Expert Tips To Avoid Malaria In Children
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a historic milestone in the country's fight against this ancient disease. WHO's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised Egypt for eradicating malaria after the announcement on 20th October 2024.
While Egypt celebrates this victory, India continues to grapple with the persistent threat of malaria, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare access.
Studies have also shown that the prevalence of malaria in India is highest in the eastern and central regions of the country. These areas are characterised by high temperatures, humidity, and abundant rainfall, which create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
According to the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP), India reports an estimate of thousands of malaria cases every year. Although, according to the same report there also has been a significant decline from previous years, malaria still remains a major public health concern in the country. Let's explore a few tips to prevent malaria especially in Indian children.
Also Read: Bengaluru Sees Spike In Dry Eye Syndrome: How Pollution And Screen Time Are To Blamed
Protecting children from malaria is crucial in India. We spoke to our expert Dr Sampath Kumar Paediatrician, Kinder Hospital - Bengaluru to shed some light effective strategies to prevent malaria in children. Here is what he shared with us.
Malaria is a serious health concern in India, especially among children. Here are some effective tips to prevent your child from contracting this disease:
Environmental Control 1. Eliminate breeding groundsEnsure there are no stagnant water bodies around your home, such as old tires, buckets, or flowerpots. These can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
2. Keep surroundings cleanRegularly clean your surroundings to prevent mosquito breeding.
3. Repair leaksPromptly repair any leaks in your home to avoid creating standing water.
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Personal Protection 1. Mosquito netsUse insecticide-treated mosquito nets over your child's bed, especially during nighttime.
2. Protective clothingDress your child in long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during the evening and night.
3. Insect repellentsApply mosquito repellents containing DEET or other effective ingredients to your child's skin. Follow the instructions on the product label.
4. Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hoursLimit your child's outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Medical Prevention 1. Consult a healthcare providerIf you're concerned about your child's risk of malaria, consult a healthcare provider for advice. They may recommend preventive medication or other measures.
2. Stay up-to-date on vaccinationsEnsure your child is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations, as some can help protect against malaria.
Community Awareness and ActionRaising awareness about malaria prevention and promoting community participation is essential. Engaging with local communities, schools, and healthcare providers can help ensure that effective measures are implemented and sustained.
Despite the susceptibility of Malaria in India, by adopting these preventive measures and fostering community involvement, India can make significant progress in reducing the burden of malaria and safeguarding the health of its children
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Kay Kay Menon Opens Up About Malaria Diagnosis; How To Stay Safe This Malaria Season
Renowned actor Kay Kay Menon recently revealed a challenging health battle after contracting malaria. Known for his powerful performances in films and shows, Menon's journey to recovery highlights the importance of awareness and preventive measures against malaria, especially as the season brings a surge in cases. Menon's experience serves as a reminder of the seriousness of this illness and how vital it is to stay informed on both its prevention and treatment.
On September 29, Menon was diagnosed with malaria, a mosquito-borne illness that can have severe health consequences. His condition rapidly deteriorated within two days of hospitalization, leading to an emergency transfer to the ICU, where he spent ten days under intensive care. In a recent message, Menon shared, "I was hospitalised with malaria… Things got worse, and I had to be transferred under emergency into ICU." Thankfully, he was discharged recently, though his recovery journey is far from over.
Doctors have advised Menon to rest for at least two weeks as he rebuilds his strength and nourishes himself back to health after significant weight loss. The actor expressed hope to return to his professional commitments by early November, though he currently communicates only through text, as his voice remains affected. His experience underscores the need for vigilance against malaria, particularly during peak mosquito season.
What Is Malaria and How Does It Spread?Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites enter the bloodstream and multiply, eventually attacking red blood cells and leading to a range of symptoms. Malaria typically develops within 10-14 days of an infected mosquito bite, although this can vary depending on the strain.
Common Symptoms of MalariaAs per Dr A.K. Gadpayle, Head Department of Medicine - Sharda Hospital, malaria symptoms vary but generally include:
While these symptoms may resemble other viral infections, malaria can escalate rapidly, especially if left untreated. Timely medical intervention is crucial to manage the illness effectively.
Protecting Yourself During Malaria SeasonTaking preventive measures is crucial to reduce the risk of contracting malaria, especially if you are in a high-risk area. Here are several practical strategies to consider:
Consult a Healthcare Professional for Antimalarial MedicationsIf you're travelling to or residing in a malaria-prone area, consult a healthcare provider about preventive medications. They can prescribe antimalarial drugs suited to your destination and health needs, which can significantly lower your risk of contracting the disease.
Applying mosquito repellent is essential when spending time outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Look for repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, which are known to be effective against mosquitoes. Remember to reapply regularly, especially after sweating or exposure to water.
Wear Protective ClothingTo avoid mosquito bites, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Dark colours can attract mosquitoes, so opt for light-coloured clothing that also covers your arms and legs. Loose-fitting clothing offers better ventilation and can reduce the risk of bites through thin fabric.
Also Read: Prajakta Koli Shares Her Body Image Issues With Ananya Panday; Ways To Overcome Body Image Issues
Sleep Under Mosquito NetsIn areas without air conditioning or proper screens, using a mosquito net treated with insecticides provides valuable protection. Make sure the net is properly set up, with no tears or gaps, and that it's securely tucked under the mattress. This creates a physical barrier, keeping mosquitoes at bay as you sleep.
Consider Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS)If you're staying in a malaria-prone region for an extended period, IRS can offer longer-lasting protection by killing mosquitoes that come into contact with sprayed surfaces. Talk to local authorities about having walls and eaves treated with insecticides, which remain effective for several months.
Building Awareness Around MalariaMenon's experience underscores the serious nature of malaria and the importance of community education and prevention. Mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria pose a substantial public health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where mosquitoes thrive. Government programs, awareness campaigns, and individual prevention efforts all play a role in minimizing the spread of malaria.
BottomlineKay Kay Menon's malaria diagnosis is a cautionary tale and a reminder to stay vigilant during malaria season. Through preventive measures, awareness, and prompt medical intervention, the risks associated with malaria can be significantly reduced. By staying informed and prepared, individuals can help protect themselves and their communities from this preventable disease.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
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