The world is a dangerous place, and it is a good idea to know what you are getting yourself into before heading out on the road. For one thing, there are many infections that are spread by mosquitoes. While a bite from a mosquito won’t usually do you any harm, some diseases can be spread through bites that aren’t that bad.
Traveling to a new place can be a scary thing for first-time travelers. Dreading the unknown, they worry about the safety of their accommodations, the route traveled, and even the health of those they will meet. But health is actually an advantage for travelers, and there are many activities that can help travelers stay healthy and prevent Malaria.
When traveling, here are some malaria facts travelers should know:
- Malaria is caused by a parasite that lives in the blood of certain animals, usually mosquitos. When you get bitten, the parasite grows in the blood of the mosquito, and it is released into the body when you are bitten. The parasite then grows in the bloodstream and causes a deadly disease.
- Malaria is a disease that affects over 200 million people every year, causing over 1 million deaths. Most of these deaths are in Africa, where 90% of malaria cases and 92% of deaths worldwide occur. The vast majority of the world’s malaria cases and deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. This is the deadliest of the mosquito-borne diseases and the most prevalent disease among travelers. It is caused by a parasite that is carried in the bloodstream to set up a free breeding ground, and the disease can be cured with the use of antimalarial drugs.
- Symptoms of Malaria generally appear within one to four weeks of travel and may include high fever, chills, headache, joint pain, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, it can become difficult to breathe, and people may develop anemia or kidney failure. In severe cases, people may die. If you think you have Malaria, seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is important because if you delay, the disease may become more severe.
- Anyone can get Malaria, regardless of age, gender, or race. In fact, many people think that Malaria can only be contracted by the elderly, as well as pregnant women and children. This is completely false. The chances of catching Malaria while traveling is very small, it is true. Most of the time, the risk is so low, it’s not worth worrying about. However, Malaria is not the same as a common illness, so it’s not something you can take for granted. It’s a very serious disease, and it can cause serious health problems and even death, so it’s really important to know what the risk is and what you can do to prevent it.
- There are no malaria-carrying mosquitoes in the UK. Lots of people are scared of coming home with Malaria, and the last thing they want is to be in bed with the illness for days. But the reality is, there are no malaria-carrying mosquitoes in the UK. The UK has been Malaria free for over 20 years, and there have not been any cases reported since 2004 in the UK, so there is no need to fear coming back home.
- Malaria can be fatal in a short span of time. There are many deadly diseases in the world, but Malaria is the most tragic and terrifying of them all. This disease is not only fatal for the host, but it can also cause facial swelling, nausea, and can also cause fever. The severe form of malaria infection, known as cerebral Malaria, can cause a person to have seizures, which could lead to a coma, and maybe even death. This disease can be fatal, but it can be prevented by taking measures before going on a trip outside.
- Antimalarials are an essential tool in the fight against Malaria. However, there is more to antimalarials than the common notion that they are a cure to the deadly disease. In reality, antimalarials are only a cure for the disease in its earliest stages. Once the parasites have taken hold of a person’s bloodstream, the only cure is a short time in a hospital bed and a grueling recovery.
If you’ve just returned from a trip and start experiencing symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, or body aches, it’s a good idea to see a doctor right away. Don’t panic! It could just be a viral fever too, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor will likely recommend a blood test, which can confirm whether or not you have malaria. With the right medication and plenty of rest, most people begin to feel better in a few days.
But in some cases, especially when the infection is caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the more severe type of malaria, you might not feel any improvement even after treatment. If that happens, your doctor might recommend visiting a diagnostic imaging center in New Jersey, or a different location to get an ultrasound or a CT scan, and take a closer look at your organs, like the brain, liver, or spleen.
These imaging tests can spot complications like infections or internal bleeding, which tend to be more common with this type of malaria. Once your doctor identifies the issue, they can start the right treatment right away. By acting quickly and trusting your doctor’s guidance, you can really make a difference. It can help you recover faster and avoid any serious health concerns down the line.
No doubt malaria is one of the greatest threats to travelers, continues to be a significant problem in many parts of Africa and South East Asia, affecting millions of people each year. The good news is that Malaria is preventable and can be treated with medication. It can be completely avoided by taking precautions. By precautions, we mean learning a handful of facts about this threat.
