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Malaria

Good News! - It is preventable

There are approximately 515 million reported cases of Malaria, killing between one and three million people, every year. In most cases unfortunately these victims are not educated about the disease and they also can’t afford the prophylactic drugs or the cure.

The good news is that it is preventable, so if you are prepared there is no reason why you should not have a healthy and happy trip to Victoria Falls

Not all Mosquitoes carry Malaria, it is only the female Anopheles mosquito which does. This little blighter can be distinguished from other mosquitoes by the palps (secondary set of front legs) which are as long as the proboscis, and by the presence of discrete blocks of black and white scales on the wings.

Adult Anopheles can also be identified by their typical resting position: males and females rest with their abdomens sticking up in the air rather than parallel to the surface on which they are resting. They are also silent and therefore you don’t hear any buzz to warn you of their presence. Conversely if you can hear them buzzing - then don't worry!

We have broken down our recommendations to keep you safe into three sections. Before you leave, While you are There and Returning Home. Please read on....

The most severe strain and the one you need to watch out for is Plasmodium falciparum also known as Cerebral Malaria. It does occur in the Victoria Falls region and Zimbabwe. So it is vital that this information should be passed on to your Doctor, this particular strain is resistant to chloroquine and therefore medicines that were effective five years ago such as Chloroquine, Proguanil and Maloprim may no longer be so effective.

There are several drugs on the market that are licensed for preventing malaria, which one to use will depend on your individual circumstances, so please consult your Doctor and don’t forget to tell them of any other activities that you might be doing on holiday, like Scuba Diving as this can have an impact on which drug to use.

The next most important thing to do is to avoid getting bitten. Insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net is a must. Always insist on a mosquito net or pack your own and find away of hanging it over you at night. Take the net down in the day and roll it up or tuck it into the bottom of the bed so that nothing can get inside.

It is also a good idea to spray your room with an insecticide before going in at night to kill any mosquito that may have flown in during the day. Mosquito coils if available are very effective.

Mosquitoes feed from Dusk till Dawn. So at dusk the mosquito attack – this is the most dangerous time and generally lasts for about an hour and a half. You must use Insect repellent - Tabard and Peaceful Sleep are the two that I have used and find work. I also recommended you put on protective clothing – long sleeve shirts, trousers and socks.

Apply the repellent to any part of the body that is not covered by clothing, making especial note of the juicy ankles. Use repellent under thin clothing as they can bite through these aswell.

It is a good idea to always carry a stick repellent with you in your bag or pocket, just in case you are unexpectedly out and about at dusk. Sticks are also easier to apply to the face. Dawn is also a bad time and hence the need to sleep under a net.

Don’t take this as gospel, and never use it as the only prophylactic. But you are at higher risk during the wet season from December through to April. Because of the rain there is more surface water lying about which the mosquitoes breed in. It is also hotter at this time of year which suits them better.

Be Careful... It only takes one bite from a carrying mosquito to contract this disease

If you return home and start feeling unwell. With any flu like symptoms, headache ,fever, nausea seek medical advice immediately and please make sure that you tell them you have been in a malaria zone and ensure that a malaria test is done – this will be in a form of a blood test. This will enable a speedy diagnosis and could potentially save your life.

The medication will be a course of tablets normally taken over 3-7 days. Time is very important when you are dealing with cerebral malaria – If you catch it in time a full recovery is normal as per our own experience….

Please Click here to go to an excellent site - should you wish to find out more about this topic. They will even text you reminders to take your tablets.

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