Travel Medicine (cont.)
Malaria
Malaria is an infection caused by a tiny organism called a protozoa. It
enters red blood cells and multiplies until the cells burst open. The broken
cells release the young protozoa into the bloodstream where they infect more red
blood cells. This release of young protozoa causes high fevers that can last for
several hours. The fever of malaria often comes and goes in a defined pattern,
coinciding with when the infected red cells burst open. With some types of
malaria, the protozoa can hide in the liver and cause episodes of fever over
many years. In serious cases, malaria can cause the kidneys to shut down, can
infect the brain, or cause death.
Malaria is spread to people by mosquitoes. The mosquitoes bite between dusk
and dawn. Malaria occurs in many tropical areas and a few areas that have a
milder climate. Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Asia may be
at risk for the disease. Some countries in Central America and the Caribbean
also have malaria. Not every area of a country will be infected. A doctor can
evaluate your itinerary to see if you might be exposed to malaria. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Web page that tells where malaria
occurs (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/).
Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites (see the section on insect
precautions) and by taking preventive medications. Travelers who will be exposed
to malaria should take medications starting before travel to the area and
continuing for a time after they leave the area. Several different medicines are
available. Some are taken only once a week, and others are taken daily. In some
countries, malaria has become resistant to older medicines. Your physician will
choose which medicine to use based on what countries you are visiting.
Next: Meningococcal meningitis »
- doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and vaccination effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot.
- Dengue Fever - Get the facts on dengue fever causes (virus transmitted by infected mosquito), symptoms, signs, treatment, statistics and information on dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Latest Medical News
Travel Health RSS