Malaria is an infectious disease that affects millions of people worldwide and can be fatal if not treated properly. It’s transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, making travelers particularly vulnerable when visiting malaria-endemic areas. Fortunately, there are various effective strategies for preventing malaria, from bite prevention to taking anti-malaria medication. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the risk of malaria when traveling and the necessary steps you need to take to protect yourself.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is spread to humans through bites of infected mosquitoes caused by parasites (P. Falciparum, P. Vivax). Once in the human body, these malaria parasites multiply in the liver before infecting and destroying red blood cells. The symptoms of malaria usually include high fever, headache, joint pain, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Malaria symptoms can appear 10–15 days after the mosquito bite but can also lie dormant for several months before disease activation. If not treated promptly, severe disease can become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.
Understanding the Risk of Malaria When Traveling
The risk of contracting malaria depends on many factors including your destination, the length of your stay, the time of year, and the activities you engage in. Malaria can be found in most parts of the world and is commonly found in tropical areas and subtropical countries. It’s important to note that the risk of malaria can vary even within the same country or neighboring countries and at different times of the year. The risk for malaria remains the same no matter how short or long your trip is planned to be. Therefore, it is crucial to check the malaria risk level of your specific travel destination with your health care provider before you leave.
Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
If you have plans to visit a country in South America, Central America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or sub-Saharan Africa, consider visiting your doctor or a travel clinic to assess your risk. They can assess your risk of contracting malaria based on your travel itinerary and health status. Providers at a travel clinic can specifically advise you on the necessary precautions to take, which may include taking antimalarial drugs and implementing bite prevention strategies. They may also have updated information on cases of malaria in the particular country you plan on visiting.
For young children and pregnant women, malaria can be a fatal disease. Seeking the right medical advice prior to going to a malaria-endemic area can make all the difference.
Bite Prevention Is Key To Malaria Prevention
Taking malaria prophylaxis will not prevent the disease 100%. Taking the necessary precautions to prevent bite prevention will be the most effective way of preventing malaria.
Understanding Mosquito Behavior
The infected mosquito that transmits malaria typically bites during dawn and dusk. They are also present throughout the night as well. Avoiding these peak hours of the day can reduce malaria transmission.
Mosquitoes are attracted to the highly vascularized parts of the body, which include the feet, ankles, neck, and arms. They generally avoid areas such as the face and head because those are the areas where mosquitoes know they are the most vulnerable, however, steps to protect your face should still be taken.
Mosquitoes also generally are drawn to body odor. Maintaining good hygiene, especially washing your feet at night helps to prevent mosquito attraction to an extent.
How To Prevent Mosquito Bites
Several preventive measures can be taken to avoid mosquito bites. These include using insect repellents, wearing protective long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito nets, and reducing mosquito presence in your accommodation. Consider air-conditioned accommodations over non-air-conditioned accommodations. Knowing your travel plans is key to planning out your preventative measures.
1. Use Quality Insect Repellents
Insect repellents are a key tool in preventing mosquito bites. They work by repelling mosquitoes and discouraging them from landing on the skin. When choosing an insect repellent, look for those that contain at least 30% DEET or Picaridin, as these ingredients are known to be most effective against mosquitoes. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) do not classify DEET or Picardin as a human carcinogen. If used appropriately and as instructed, DEET products should not be harmful.
For sensitive skin, opt for Picardin products as DEET products can be more irritating. For children, Picardin products can be used safely as well. These products come in lotion, wipes, or aerosol forms.
Apply insect repellent on exposed skin only. When using sunscreen, always apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. Always follow the instructions as suggested by the product for the best application and how frequently you should be applying the product.
2. Dress Appropriately
Wearing the right clothing can also help prevent mosquito bites. Opt for long sleeves, long pants, and socks whenever possible. Shoes over sandals would be preferred. Clothes made from thick fabric can provide better protection than thin clothing. Clothing can be pretreated with permethrin, an insecticide that kills mosquitoes on contact. Lighter clothing helps you see mosquitoes landing on your clothing better than darker-colored clothing.
3. Use Mosquito Nets
Mosquito nets, especially those treated with insecticides, can provide a physical barrier against mosquitoes at night time. They are particularly useful when sleeping in areas where the rooms are not adequately screened or air-conditioned. Finding the right mosquito net could make all the difference, especially if traveling to remote areas that do not have air-conditioned sleeping accommodations. If camping outdoors in mostly rural areas, consider tents or nets that have been pre-treated with Permethrin. There are mosquito tents that come pre-treated or you can supplementally add the insecticide to your accommodation before your trip.
Take Malaria Prevention Medications
Malaria pills that prevent malaria can only be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Deciding if malaria prophylaxis is necessary will depend on your itinerary, length of trip, and health history. The type of travel, destination, chronic diseases, and potential drug resistance in the area being visited will help determine which medication to use. This can be done by your Primary Care Provider or by visiting a travel clinic or travel health nurse.
Adhere to the Recommended Intake Schedule
Taking antimalarial tablets as directed by your healthcare provider is crucial for their effectiveness. It is important to note that antimalaria medications will never be 100% effective, but they should be taken as directed if traveling to a high risk area.
It is important to visit your health provider or Travel Clinic at least 4 weeks before your travels. Some tablets need to be started a few days before travel, while others require a week or more lead time. You should also continue taking the medication during your travel and for a certain period after leaving the malarious area. Missing doses can lead to inadequate protection and increase your risk of contracting malaria.
Recognizing Symptoms of Malaria
Malaria often presents similarly to flu-like symptoms. They may include high fevers, sweating and chills, body or muscle aches, headache, and vomiting. These symptoms can be vague and may make a person feel ‘out of sorts’. It’s important to note that symptoms can quickly become severe if effective treatment is not started promptly. Severe malaria may lead to death.
If you become unwell with symptoms suggestive of malaria during or after your travel, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Quick diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to preventing complications and saving lives. Remember, the most serious forms of malaria can become life-threatening within 24 hours.
Final Thoughts on Malaria Prevention When Traveling
Traveling to malaria-endemic areas requires careful preparation to protect yourself against this potentially life-threatening disease. By understanding the risk, taking antimalarial tablets when appropriate, implementing comprehensive bite prevention measures, and seeking prompt medical attention if you suspect you have malaria, you can ensure a safer journey. Before traveling, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your specific situation and the best strategies for malaria prevention.
DEET Products Registered With The EPA
| Product Name | Protection Time | % of product in formula | Spray, Lotion, or Towellette | Price |
| OFF! Deep Woods Sportsmen Insect Repellent I | 10 | 98.25% | Spray | See Price |
| Repel 100 Insect Repellent for Severe Conditions | 10 | 98% | Spray | See Price |
| Ben’s 100 Insect Repellent | 10 | 98.11% | Spray | See Price |
| Sawyer Premium 100 Insect Repellent | 10 | 98.11% | Spray | See Price |
| Jungle Juice 100 Insect Repellent Squirt | 10 | 98.1% | Squirt/Lotion | See Price |
| Jungle Juice 100 Insect Repellent Spray | 10 | 98.1% | Spray | See Price |
| Bug Barrier | 10 | 95% | Spray | See Price |
| Repel Insect Repellent Wipes | 10 | 30% | Towelette | See Price |
| Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen Max Formula Spray Pump 40% DEET | 8 | 40% | Spray | See Price |
| 3M Ultrathon | 12 | 34.34% | Lotion | See Price |
| Bug X 30 | 7 | 30% | Spray (travel friendly) | See Price |
| Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes | 7 | 30% | Towelette | See Price |
| Ben’s 30 Insect Repellent | 7 | 30% | Spray (travel friendly) | See Price |
Picaridin Products Registered With The EPA
| Product Name | Protection Time | % of product in formula | Spray, Lotion, or Towellette | Price |
| Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion | 14 | 20% | Lotion | See Price |
| Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray | 14 | 20% | Spray | See Price |
| Ranger Ready | 12 | 20% | Spray (travel friendly) | See Price |
| OFF! Clean Feel Insect Repellent Spritz | 8 | 20% | Spray (travel friendly) | See Price |
