A Traveller s Guide: Malaria Awareness

Transcription

1 A Traveller s Guide: Malaria Awareness With travel to long-haul destinations becoming more accessible and last minute bookings to exotic places on the rise, UK travellers are increasingly at risk of contracting diseases such as malaria. Travellers need to know the facts. How does malaria affect UK travellers? Every year approximately 2,000 British travellers return home with malaria and the UK is one of the biggest importers of malaria among industrialised countries. British travellers are increasingly going to countries where malaria is prevalent; there has been a 150% increase in travel to malarious destinations amongst British travellers in the last ten years. How dangerous is malaria? The most severe form of malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) isonthe increase amongst British travellers. Malaria is a preventable infection but can be fatal if left untreated - an average of nine people die each year from malaria in the UK. Malaria is transmitted by an infected mosquito. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to contract malaria. How can I protect myself? You are at risk when travelling to malarious areas if you do not take precautions to prevent yourself from being bitten and also if you do not take antimalarials. You should ideally seek advice from a healthcare professional eight weeks before you travel but can still seek advice at the last minute. Some advice/protection is better than none. There are different forms of antimalarials available - the appropriate health care professional (GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic) will be able to advise on the most suitable one for you. Wherever you go, enjoy yourself, but make sure you are malaria aware. Malaria Hotspots Malaria Hotspots is a website dedicated to raising malaria awareness amongst British travellers. For more information, real-life video stories, games, podcasts, travel tips and more, just visit the website.

2 - 2 - More information about malarious destinations South America Malaria is present in South America, though in many countries it is restricted to specific areas / regions. The south of the continent is generally malaria free. For up to date and accurate advice visit a health care professional before your travel. Africa Malaria is widespread throughout the majority of Africa. The most deadly form of malaria, falciprium, is also the most common and certain antimalarial medications may not be very effective. Always get up to date, expert advice from a health care professional before travelling to any potential malaria destination. South East Asia Malaria is present in a number of countries throughout South East Asia, though in some countries it is restricted to specific areas / regions. Always get up to date, expert advice from a health care professional before travelling to any potential malaria destination. Important: Understanding this malaria map This map is only intended to highlight destinations with possible malaria risk. Countries outlined in RED are considered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to have some malaria risk. It does not necessarily mean that the entire country is affected, as malaria may be restricted to certain areas or regions. This map is an illustrative guide only. Malaria risk can change rapidly and you should always seek accurate and up to date advice. Expert advice must be sought before travelling to a potentially malarious destination. Always consult a health care professional before travelling to any potential malaria destination. Far East Asia There is malaria risk in China, though not normally in densely populated urban centres. There is also some risk in the northern rural parts of South Korea. Always get up to date, expert advice from a health care professional before travelling to any potential malaria destination. North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Australasia Malaria does not generally occur in North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe or Australasia. Looking for more information on malaria risk in specific countries? Go to Important: Planning your travel If possible, it is important to plan your travel in advance and share your detailed travel plans with your health care professional. Just because your ultimate destination may be malaria free, your journey to or from it may take you through an infected area. is a specialist travel site operated by NHS Scotland which may help in giving background information.

3 - 3 - FAQs Question: Is malaria a real danger to British travellers? Answer: Unfortunately the answer is yes. Travel figures have revealed an increase of nearly 150% in travel to popular malarious destinations such as Africa and India over the past ten years. Every year, 2,000 UK travellers contract malaria and on average there are nine deaths. Even if treated, malaria can be painful and debilitating so it is advisable to protect yourself. Your healthcare professional will know if you are travelling to an atrisk destination and will be able to offer you advice about preventing the disease. Question: How can I contract malaria? Answer: Malaria is an infectious disease which is transmitted through certain types of mosquitoes. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to contract malaria. Whilst feeding on your blood, an infected mosquito releases the malaria parasite into your body, which rapidly goes to the liver and reproduces before spreading back into your bloodstream. For more information about how malaria develops please see page 3. Question: Do I really need to bother taking precautions? Answer: Yes, malaria is potentially very dangerous and affects thousands of British travellers each year. The good news is that it is preventable by avoiding getting bitten in the first place and by taking antimalarial medication. If you contract malaria in most cases it can be treated if diagnosed quickly enough. If you suffer from flu like symptoms having visited a malarious country within the last year, then you should seek immediate medical help from your doctor. To read the stories of people who ve had malaria go to page 6. Question: In which countries can I contract malaria? Am I safe if travelling in the dry season? Answer: Malaria exists in areas such as Africa, South America, Asia and South East Asia. In some areas mosquitoes may be more active during the wet season, but mosquitoes can bite all year round. You should not assume that by travelling in the dry season you are safe as it only takes one bite by an infected mosquito at any time of the year to contract malaria. Your healthcare professional will be able to tell you if your destination is malarious and give you the right advice and medications. See page 2 for more info. Question: I have heard that the side-effects of antimalarial medications are unpleasant, even worse than catching malaria. Is this true? Answer: Antimalarial medications can cause some side effects, but there are different types available and your healthcare professional will advise you as to which one is right for you. Malaria can put you in hospital for weeks and can be fatal in some cases. It is better to protect yourself against malaria than risk contracting a potentially fatal disease. If you have concerns speak to your healthcare professional. Question: I have heard that some antimalarial medications are ineffective as malaria has become resistant to them, is this true? Answer: In some parts of the world, some of the older drugs may not give full protection. It is best to speak to your healthcare professional who can give you up to date information on all medications and which ones are suitable for you and the countries you are travelling to. Question: When I have travelled before, other travellers seem to be taking different medication to protect against malaria, why is this? Answer: There are a number of different medications and different ones suit different people. What s right for one traveller may not be right for another. Also other travellers may be following a completely different itinerary to you and taking a medication that s suitable for their particular destination. You should always keep to the advice given to you by your healthcare professional who should have taken your travel itinerary and individual health needs into account. Above all, make sure you take the full course of medication and don't be swayed into doing otherwise.

4 - 4 - FAQs Question: Fellow travellers have told me that I don't need to use antimalarials, I wonder if I should bother? Answer: While fellow travellers are a great source of information for where to go, what to see and how to get about in different countries, they are probably not completely up to speed about travel health. It is strongly recommended that you seek expert pre-travel health advice at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure that you are protecting yourself against malaria and other infectious diseases. Question: I am only travelling to a malarious area for two days throughout my entire trip, is it worth taking antimalarial medication for such a short duration? Answer: It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to contract malaria. Take your travel itinerary to a health care professional at least eight weeks before you travel and explain where you will be travelling to and how long you will be staying. You will be advised whether you need to take antimalarial medication and how long you should take them for. It is important to follow the advice you are given to ensure you are protected against malaria during and after your travels. Question: I have been given antimalarial medication which I ve been told I have to keep taking, even after I get back from my trip. Is this right? Answer: All antimalarial medication needs to be taken before, during and after your travels. Taking it as instructed and completing the full course is very important. This is because the malaria parasite can sit in the liver long after you ve left the malarious area. It needs to be eradicated by fully completing your course. Failure to do so could be fatal. Question: I ve heard that if I eat garlic this will stop me from being bitten by a mosquito and help prevent malaria. Is this true? Answer: There are a lot of myths and inaccurate information about protecting yourself from malaria. There is no scientific evidence that eating garlic, Marmite (or any other savoury yeast extract spread), or taking vitamin B will protect you from malaria. There is also no scientific evidence that homeopathic or herbal medications are effective against malaria. Seek advice on how to avoid getting bitten and on antimalarial medication from a healthcare professional before you travel. Question: My friend is from Africa and she is going home to visit her family for three weeks. She says he doesn t need to take any protection as she was born there and is immune to malaria. Is this true? Answer: If people who grow up in a malarious area are fortunate enough to survive childhood they may develop a natural partial immunity to the disease. However, once they have left that malarious area, this immunity begins to fade after about six months. If your friend is returning home then he is potentially at risk of contracting the disease. He is best to take pre-travel advice from a healthcare professional and not to assume he is safe, as it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to catch malaria. Question: Where can I get advice about malaria? Answer: You should book an appointment with your healthcare professional at least eight weeks before your travels. Many local surgeries operate dedicated travel health clinics managed by a specialist travel nurse. It s worth telephoning your surgery to find out if they offer this clinic and on what day of the week you will be able to visit the clinic. Pharmacists will be able to offer you some travel health advice, but they will not be in a position to offer you the full range of antimalarial medications as you may need a prescription for these. The other option is a private travel clinic which can be found in your local directory. Question: What happens if I do contract malaria? Answer: Malaria though potentially fatal, is treatable if diagnosed quickly. If whilst travelling or within one year of travelling, you develop 'flu like symptoms (such as fever, chills, pain, weakness, muscle aches, vomiting, cough, diarrhoea or abdominal pain) you must urgently seek medical attention and tell your doctor that you have been travelling in a malarious area. To see stories of people who ve had malaria take a look at Been There, Been Bitten.

5 - 5 - Malaria travel tips Before you travel Visit your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic to discuss your antimalarial and vaccination requirements (ideally this should be at least eight weeks before you travel). Make sure you have a clear itinerary of your trip as you may only need antimalarials for part of your journey. Different antimalarials are recommended for different parts of the world, as in some areas the parasite has become resistant to older drugs. Additionally there are a number of antimalarials and different ones suit different people. Your health-care professional will advise on the most suitable medication for you and your journey. Increase your knowledge of malaria and other travel health risks by visiting malariahotspots.co.uk, fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's 'Know Before You Go' campaign at fco.gov.uk. During your travels During your travels, there will be an abundance of things to do and see and enjoy, but please remember to follow your health care advice if you are in a malarious country. The first thing to do is to reduce your chances of getting bitten. Follow your healthcare provider's advice and purchase the recommended antimalarial medication, mosquito netting and insect repellent. Insect repellents should ideally contain up to 50% DEET and be applied to any exposed skin, always on top of a sunblock. It can also be sprayed onto cotton clothing for added protection. Keep arms, legs and feet covered and limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are at their most active, such as between dusk and dawn. Sleeping under a mosquito net impregnated with permethrin should provide you with excellent protection. Have a great time and enjoy yourself but remain malaria aware. People often contract malaria because they start to get complacent during their travels. If you have been prescribed antimalarials, it is very important take them as directed throughout the whole course. Continue bite prevention measures as it only takes one bite to contract malaria. After your travels When you have returned from your travels, please do not get complacent about following your travel health advice; this is because the malaria parasite can remain in your body and continue to reproduce rapidly and potentially leaving you exposed to malaria, so: It is essential to complete your course of antimalarials to get full protection. Keep taking them when you get home as you have been prescribed. Initial symptoms of malaria can often be mild, difficult to recognise and can be confused with flu. If you develop flu like symptoms once you return home, (particularly in the first three months, but up to a year later), seek medical advice immediately and tell them that you've recently returned from a malaria-risk zone. This will enable a speedy diagnosis and could potentially save your life.

6 - 6 - Been there, been bitten Name: Alex Beard Age when contracted malaria: 20 Occupation: Freelance journalist Where did she contract the disease: Ghana Type of travel: Study Gap Situation: Alex contracted the most dangerous form of malaria, falciparum, while studying at Accra University in Ghana. Shortly into Alex's trip her strict routine began to weaken and Alex soon forgot to take her antimalarials. After three weeks of feeling incredibly ill Alex gave in and saw a doctor. After tests she was diagnosed with malaria. Outcome: Alex continued her travels after a short rest, but suffered from two relapses. It took her over a month to feel herself again. Since her return to England she has been in and out of hospital and has suffered from liver, stomach and various neurological problems. All are believed to stem from malaria. Alex knows that she is lucky to be alive especially as a fellow traveller died from malaria. Name: Simon Reeve Age when contracted malaria: 33 Occupation: Television presenter Where did he contract the disease: Africa Type of travel: On location filming the 'Equator' TV series Situation: Simon took antimalarial medication with him during his travels but omitted to take one or two of his tablets and, as a result, was not fully protected against contracting malaria. Outcome: Simon had to stop filming for emergency treatment. He was confined to bed until he was well enough to continue with his journey around the Equator. Other Downloadable Advice Guides Guide to Travel Health by Dr Sebastian Kalwij Dr Sebastian Kalwij is gapyear.com's travel health expert. He's been involved with travel health projects all over the World, and is now a GP in London. In this guide he takes you through the major health issues that you need to be aware of before you go and whilst on the road. There's information on everything from vaccinations to sun safety, but we have to stress that this is not a substitute for a visit to your GP! Guide to Gap Year Work Experience by Elizabeth Clark Gap years are about more than volunteering in the rainforest or sunning yourself on a beach in Australia. Alongside taking a year out to earn money to pay for university, one of the fastest growing types of gap year, is spending some time trying to get work experience that will help you work out which career is right for you and also, hopefully, give you a bit of a head start over everybody else. Guide to Travel Photography by Lucy Cartwright Want to come back from your gap year with some awe-inspiring photos? Just want to avoid blurry snaps of randoms with red-eye? Lucy Cartwright talks you through what kit to take, pre-trip preparation, lighting, framing and how to get the best from the situations you're most likely to encounter. You don't need a load of expensive gadgets to come back with a photo album to be proud of. Guide to Vegetarian Travel by Laura Chapman Quorn to be wild? Or, to put it more simply; like to travel but don't eat meat? You sound like the sort of person who could use this handy guide. Laura Chapman has covered all the major gap year destinations, rated them for veggie-friendliness and suggested some 'in case of emergency' dishes for each of them. Beats the hell out of eating Super Noodles for a year anyway. Guide to Buying and Driving a Car in Oz by Carolyn Martin The best way to see Australia is with the freedom of your own vehicle. Go where you want, when you want and stop off at every single novelty outsize fibreglass fruit along the way if you damn well see fit. If you like the sound of this, but are put off by the red tape and expense involved, this is the guide for you!