QUESTION What are the ways in which you can prevent yourself from being infected with malaria? ANSWER Malaria prevention consists of a combination of mosquito avoidance measures (since malaria is transmitted by infected mosquitoes) and chemoprophylaxis (medication to prevent the establishment of malaria in your body, if you do get bitten). Although very efficacious, none of the … [Read more...]
Prevention of Malaria
QUESTION What is the prevention of malaria? ANSWER Malaria prevention consists of a combination of mosquito avoidance measures and chemoprophylaxis. Although very efficacious, none of the recommended interventions are 100% effective. Mosquito Avoidance Measures Because of the nocturnal feeding habits of Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria transmission occurs primarily between dusk and … [Read more...]
How Long Does it Take to Feel Ill from Malaria?
QUESTION How soon does a person usually to feel ill after malaria infection? ANSWER After being bitten by an infected mosquito, there is an "incubation period" before the person begins to suffer from symptoms of malaria. This time corresponds to the period the malaria parasite spends in the liver; it is once it enters the blood and begins to destroy red blood cells that initiate the onset … [Read more...]
Complete Course of Anti-Malarial Drugs
QUESTION Hi, I am in Goa and so far have not been bitten by anything. I am taking anti malaria tablets which I do not like. My question is this. If I do not receive any bites do I need to complete the course when I get home? ANSWER It is always better to complete the course of anti-malarials, just in case you actually did get bitten but just did not notice it. However, in some cases, the … [Read more...]
US Army Doctor William Crawford Gorgas: Sent to Panama to fight Malaria
QUESTION What was the doctor's name who was sent to Panama to fight Malaria when Panama Canal was being built? ANSWER I believe the person you are referring to is Dr. William Crawford Gorgas. Dr Gorgas was the chief sanitary officer for the Panama Canal project and had gained experience in controlling vector borne diseases while working in Havana, Cuba, where yellow fever was a problem. … [Read more...]
Malaria in Namibia or South Africa
QUESTION Is there a risk of catching malaria in Namibia or South Africa ANSWER Yes. According to the CDC, malaria is present in the following areas of Namibia: Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and Otjozondjupa and the Caprivi Strip. In addition, malaria is present in South Africa in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal Province as far south as the Tugela River, … [Read more...]
What is Malaria?
QUESTION What is Malaria? ANSWER Malaria is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Transmitted by mosquitoes, there are several different kinds of malaria distributed throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, causing somewhere between 300-500 million cases of disease each year, and as many as 1 million deaths. In fact, malaria is one of the biggest … [Read more...]
Repellent for Malaria Mosquitos
QUESTION My daughter is leaving for Africa for 5 weeks on a mission trip. Is there a repellent that can be used to ward off these infected mosquitos? Also what can she do to stay safe and protected? ANSWER There is no way of warding off only those mosquitoes that are infected with malaria. However, insect repellents which contain DEET (10% or higher) are the most effective against the … [Read more...]
Malaria in Thailand: Phrae and Nan
QUESTION We are traveling in Phrae and Nan (in Thailand) in the period of December-Januar. Is there any risk for malaria. We are travelling with kids (9 months, 6 and 8 year) and want to avoid risky areas. Can we travel safely in that region? Thank you for your reply. ANSWER Thanks for your question. Phrae and Nan are two districts in northern Thailand—the latter shares a border … [Read more...]
Malaria Symptoms, Cures, and Prevention
QUESTION What is malaria cure, prevention, symptom and course? ANSWER I am not sure what you mean by "course" - however, links to information on malaria treatment, prevention and symptoms can be found on the main page of our website. For your convenience, I have provided them here: Information on malaria prevention Information on malaria symptoms and causes As for malaria … [Read more...]