Due to advancement in medical sectors, particularly in preventing and controlling malaria, the death rate is coming down over years. But still every year a good number of world populations is being affected and dead by this mosquito-borne disease. Travelers are prone to malaria especially when visiting particular countries where the prevalence of malaria is very high. Here is some advice for travellers to prevent having malaria:
Learn about malaria prevalence area: Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, South East Asia, Pacific islands are top of the list of the high-risk area for malaria. Pregnant lady and those whose spleen has been removed are at higher risk. A brief stay in this area is also risky.
Be safe from mosquito bites: Sleep in screened room spraying with insecticide, each evening. You can also use pyrethroid vaporizer. Alternately, you can sleep inside of a bed net impregnated with permethrin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers. You can also apply diethyl toluamide containing repellant in limbs.
Take prophylactic medicines before travelling: There are a number of drugs which can be taken prior to travel. Although these drugs have a failure rate, it is recommended to take them before going to high risk here.
Be careful after travelling finished: If you are not feeling well up to 6 months after returning home from abroad, consult with your doctor without any more delay.
Courtesy goes to: Oxford Handbook of General Practice