Malaria

Malaria is caused by a parasite + is a Mosquito-borne disease and is a major international public health issue. The World Health Organization in its 2017 Report identified 216 million cases + approximately 450,000 deaths in 2016. Disease transmission occurs in The Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, South Pacific + The Middle East.

MALARIA VARIETIES

Plasmodium: Falciparum / Vivax /Ovale / Malariae / Knowlesi

There is no immunization available for Malaria at this time. The disease is best prevented by strict adherence to Mosquito bite preventions measures + medication prophylaxis.

Symptoms of Malaria include cyclical fevers, myalgias, chills, headache + malaise. Signs of infection can reveal themselves from seven days to several months after being bitten. The disease has been known to progress if not treated to include seizures, confusion, respiratory distress, kidney failure + death.

Malaria prophylaxis is very effective but cannot guarantee 100% that you will not contract the disease. Any traveler with fever, any new symptoms of illness + recent travel in a Malaria Zone should seek medical evaluation immediately to exclude infection. Treatment is most effective in early stages of disease. It is not recommended to take Chloroquine in a chloroquine-resistant P. Falciparum Malaria Zone.

If a traveler wishes to go against the advice of prophylaxis and will be in a remote region they can be sent with a full dose of medical treatment in the instance that they do acquire the disease while abroad. [ Atovaquonone-Proguanil and Artemetherlumefantrine ]

MOSQUITO AVOIDANCE MEASURES

Transmission usually occurs at night

Higher risk in the rainy season

Sleeping under medically treated mosquito nets

Using insecticide within living + sleeping quarters

Using insect repellent with DEET

Apply sunscreen first + insect repellent afterwards

Permethrin can be applied to clothing + mosquito net

Wearing clothing that covers your skin


CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS : Medication must be taken before, during + after travel to Malaria Zone

MALARONE

Taken daily / Expensive

Started 2 days prior to travel + must be taken 7 days after trip

Can be taken in pregnancy

Well tolerated / Pediatric pills available

Not recommended for pregnancy / breastfeeding

CHLOROQUINE

Taken weekly + good for long trips

Started 2 weeks prior to travel + must be taken 4 weeks after trip

Do not take in Malaria Zones with Chloroquine or Mefloquine resistance

Can be taken in pregnancy

DOXYCYCLINE

Taken daily / Least expensive

Started 2 days prior to travel + must be taken 4 weeks after travel

Prevents against other tick-borne + water-borne diseases

Not recommended in pregnancy or in children less than 8 yrs

MEFLOQUINE

Taken weekly Started 2 weeks prior to travel + must be taken 4 weeks after travel.

Do not take in areas with Mefloquine resistance

Not recommended in travelers with seizures / cardiac disease / psychiatric disorders

PRIMAQUIN

Taken daily / Very effective against P. Vivax

Started 2 days prior to travel + must be taken 7 days after travel

Not recommended in pregnancy / breastfeeding / G6PD Deficiency

TAFENOQUINE

Taken daily prior to travel

Taken weekly while in Malaria zone

Very effective against P. Vivax + P. Falciparum

Started 3 days prior to travel + must be taken once 1 week after travel

Not recommended in Pregnancy / Breastfeeding / Children / G6PD Deficiency / Psychiatric Disorders

Medical Evacuation Insurance Recommended when traveling in Malaria Zones

Remember to review the PASEO HEALTH GUIDE for your chosen destination prior to your departure for more detailed information.

You may also schedule a BESPOKE TRAVEL HEALTH CONSULTATION for a thorough travel health assessment prior to your trip.

Safe Travels!