NICD
Summer is upon us, and so is the start of the malaria season, warns The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). The increase in temperatures and rainfall in malaria-endemic areas makes it the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and the transmission of malaria.
According to the NICD, approximately 4.9 million people are at risk of contracting malaria. Areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal are particularly prone to this fatal disease caused by a parasite. Therefore, the health institution strongly advises people traveling to these regions to take appropriate precautions.
One crucial step in preventing malaria is considering antimalarial prophylaxis. Travelers planning trips to high-risk areas should discuss the possibility of taking medication such as doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil with their healthcare provider. These can be obtained without a prescription from pharmacies and public sector travel clinics.
In addition to medication, there are several other precautions travelers can take to minimize their risk of contracting malaria. It is highly recommended to limit outdoor activity after dark, cover up exposed skin (including feet and ankles), use mosquito repellents containing at least 10% DEET, ensure that windows have mosquito screens, and use bed nets, fans, or air conditioning.
While these precautions substantially reduce the chances of acquiring malaria, there is still a residual risk. Therefore, it is crucial for holidaymakers returning from malaria transmission areas to be vigilant. Any flu-like symptoms, including headaches, fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain that occur within three weeks after potential exposure, should be reported immediately to the nearest healthcare facility for a malaria test.
It is important to note that symptoms in children can be quite nonspecific, such as fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Hence, special care should be taken with children to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Healthcare workers, particularly those in non-endemic areas, should be diligent in asking patients about recent travel to malaria transmission areas. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in preventing the progression of malaria to severe illness.
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