How to avoid malaria, diagnose malaria and what to do during a long stay in a malaria area?

What do you have to know about malaria, mosquito's and prevention?

• Mosquito stings spread the malaria disease.
• Malaria is one of the most common causes of death in the world and exists in any (sub)tropical area.
• Malaria is caused by parasites, plasmodium, which are being spread from human to human by a mosquito sting (it can also be spread by blood to blood contact of blood transfusion). These parasites first multiple in the liver and then in the red blood cells.
• Not all forms of malaria are equally dangerous. Malaria tropica is the most common form of malaria and, in general, the most serious form. It is caused by a parasite, called the Plasmodium falciparum. If malaria tropica is treated properly a person will recover completely. If this disease is not treated on time a person can die in a couple of weeks (depending on the time of diagnoses, in some cases a person can die within a few hours)
• If you take anti malaria tablets it will reduce the chances of getting malaria dramatically.
• There are no malaria tablets that offer full protection. The chance that you get malaria while taking tablets is still there.
• Avoiding mosquito stings will reduce the chance of getting malaria dramatically. You still have to take anti mosquito measures when taking malaria tablets.
• Malaria is becoming more and more difficult to fight as mosquitoes are becoming resistant to anti-malaria means.
• Cases of malaria usually occur with travelers (and people who mostly stay abroad) who take no (or insufficient) malaria medicine.
• Most fatal malaria cases among travelers are caused by an incorrect or late diagnoses.
• Malaria is extremely dangerous to pregnant women and children. Pregnant women are advised not to go to malaria areas.
• Malaria does not occur above 2500 meters.
• In certain countries there can be different malaria recommendations in different areas (such as Thailand, coastal areas much safer than the northern part)
• Malaria mosquitoes are mainly active at night (although dengue mosquitoes are active during the day).
• If you take a malaria tablet do keep in mind that you will have to take another dosage when you vomit within an hour.
• For more information about Malaria please check the WHO, Malaria en de CDC website.
• Don’t panic; almost every traveler will return home safe and healthy. Take the right precautions and enjoy your trip!

What is Malaria tropica?

• Malaria tropica is the most dangerous form of malaria. If not treated properly it can lead to death in a couple of weeks. Malaria tropica is caused by a parasite, called Plasmodium falciparum. The fever attacks are unpredictable.
• If you take the malaria tablets as prescribed, chances of getting malaria tropicana are very slim. When traveling through resistant areas you have to be aware that that malaria can still strike.
• Malaria tropica is very common in areas such as tropical Africa, South East Asia and South and central America.

What is Malaria tertiana?

• Malaria tertiana is a form of malaria caused by a parasite, called Plasmodium vivax and/or Plasmodium ovale. This disease is characterized by fever attacks that occur in frequent peaks of 48 hours. The parasites can stay in your liver and cause a “delayed first attack” months or even years later. Malaria tertiana can only be prevented by taking profylaxe.
• Malaria tertiana can mainly be found in South East Asia, Central and South America and Ethiopia.

What is Malaria quartana?

• Malaria quartana does not differ from malaria tertiana, except for the characteristic fever attacks that occur every 72 hours (instead of every 48 hours.) Malaria quartana is caused by a parasite called Plasmodim malariae and is a very rare disease.
• At the moment Malaria quartana is prevented by decent malaria tablets.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

• Malaria can occur as a severe attack of cold shivers and fever, but also as a feverish feeling with headaches, but without any clear fever. It usually starts as a fever attack, cold shivers, muscles aches and headaches. This symptoms will return frequently every few days, if the infection is not treated. It can also be accompanied with vomiting, diarrhea, coughing and jaundice.
• It is very important to know that Malaria can spread to different parts of the body in as short as 24 hours!!! Any cold or fever that lasts longer than 2 days should be considered as malaria, until the contrary has been proven. If you think that you might have malaria you have to get your blood tested in the hospital or by a doctor. Malaria can be treated very well as long as it is discovered on time.

What are Malaria tablets (Profylaxe)

• Which malaria tablets are most suitable for you depends on your destination and the period of your stay. There are different forms of malaria in each area and in some areas mosquitoes can be resistant to anti-malaria tablets.
• Main Malaria tablets
  • Paludrine (Proguanil-hydrochloride
  • Nivaquine (chloroquine
  • Lariam (Mefloquine)
  • Malarone: (Combination of Atavaquon-Progunail)
  • Doxycycline:
  • Other
    • Fansidar: Not prescribed against malaria because of the serious side effects, but is still used to cure malaria.
    • Maloprim: Due to the heavy side effects only used as a spare remedy.
    • Halofantrine: Due to the side effects it is not used very often any more.
    • Quinine: Used as a treatment against malaria.
    • Artemesia annua (sweet wormwood) natural product available in many tropical countries. It has very little side effects, but it is not tested enough to pass western tests.
    • Qinghaosu: A natural product
    • Arteflene
    • Artemether
    • Artesunate

What to do during a long stay in a malaria area?

There are two options:

• Keep taking malaria pills, especially Lariam is suitable for longer periods, if you don’t suffer from any negative side effects. This can be expensive.
• Stop taking malaria tablets. If you do this you have to make sure to: avoid getting stung by mosquitoes. And make sure that you know where to find a doctor or hospital in case you get a malaria attack.
• PS: Be aware that no matter how long you stay in a malaria area, you do not become immune to malaria. You always run the risk of getting malaria.