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Download CEAC 7033 Malaria May 2015 - Regina Qu`Appelle Health Region
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Transcript
Malaria TRAVEL HEALTH Malaria is a serious disease caused by several different species of parasites. They infect the blood and then other body organs. The parasites are spread to humans through bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is possible for malaria to be spread by sharing needles for injecting drugs or by a blood transfusion from an infected person, or from mother to unborn baby. The illness usually begins within 7 to 21 days after the bite, but may be delayed up to 1 year by incomplete or inadequate anti-malarial medication. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle or joint aches, backache, fatigue, nausea, and low appetite. The classic symptoms of malaria (a cyclical pattern of severe shaking chills, high fever, and sweats) are often absent in mild or early cases. Symptoms may mimic other common diseases such as minor viral infections, influenza, gastroenteritis, and pneumonia. Progression to severe and complicated malaria can be extremely rapid, with death occurring within 36 to 48 hours. Severe infection with the Falciparum species of malaria may cause liver and kidney failure, convulsions, coma, and death if not promptly or adequately treated. The most important factors that determine patient survival are early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The majority of infections and deaths due to malaria are preventable. Malaria Risk Areas Malaria transmission occurs in over 100 tropical and sub-tropical countries around the world. Malaria occurs in most of Sub-Saharan Africa and limited parts of Northern Africa, large areas of Southern Asia, Southeast Asia, and some parts of East Asia, areas in Central America including the Dominican Republic, Haiti, parts of Mexico and much of South America, Papua New Guinea and other small islands in the South Pacific/ Oceania region, and limited areas in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Risk of Malaria The risk of becoming infected with malaria depends on the country of destination, the duration of stay, the time of year, the activities during travel, and your health status. There is a greater risk of mosquito bites in rural areas, between dusk and dawn (during evening, night and early morning), and at altitudes below 2,000 m (6500 ft). The risk for malaria transmission increases during and after rainy seasons. Each year about 1 million Canadians travel to areas where they may be at risk of malaria, resulting in 350 to 1,000 malaria cases and 1 to 2 deaths annually. Pregnant women, infants, children, and people with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to severe disease. These people should consider changing or postponing their travel plans if a malaria risk. area is CEAC 7033 part of their destination. May 2015 Page 1 of 2 People who have lived in areas where malaria occurs may have developed a natural immunity to the disease through repeated exposure but loses this immunity within 6 months after leaving the malaria risk area. Immigrants to Canada from malaria risk areas are just as much at risk of getting malaria as any other visitor when visiting their native country. Protect Yourself Reduce exposure to mosquitoes: Avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn. Avoid using scented products. Wear protective clothing (long sleeved and legged, light coloured, loose fitting, layered). Tuck pants into socks. Use insect repellent (DEET). Use synthetic mosquito bed nets treated with permethrin. Nets and clothes may be treated with insecticides for better protection. Sleep in a well screened environment. Use an appropriate anti-malarial medication. No protection is 100% guaranteed. For more details, see the information sheet “Insects - Personal Protective Measures”. Anti-malarial Medication It is important to review your travel plans with a travel health professional to determine whether an individual is at risk of contracting malaria. Anti-malarial medication may or may not be recommended to persons travelling to countries where malaria occurs. There are many different anti-malarial medications available. The medication recommended to you depends on your destination, length of exposure, age, and health status. Be sure to inform your health care provider if you are pregnant, diabetic, or on blood thinning medications. The majority of people taking malaria prophylaxis (95 to 99 %) have either no side effects or only mild and temporary ones. Reactions to malaria prevention medications are almost always reversible, however death from malaria is not. The medication must be taken on a regular basis. It must be started before entering the malaria risk area, continued while there, and taken for a period of time after leaving. For information on specific anti-malarial medication you are provided with one of the following information sheets: “Chloroquine” “Mefloquine” “Doxycycline” “Malarone” Anti-malarial medications purchased outside of North America may available and may be cheaper, however, it may be ineffective, counterfeit, more toxic or inappropriate. It is strongly recommended that you obtain your anti-malarial medication from Canada. Suspected Malaria Symptoms of malaria may be mild and non-specific. Malaria should be suspected if you develop a fever or other symptoms while travelling or during the first several months after returning from an area where malaria may occur. Consult your health care provider immediately. A blood test is needed to confirm this diagnosis. Malaria deaths are frequently the result of delays in the diagnosis and treatment of the infection. Suspected or confirmed malaria is a medical emergency. For information call the Travel Health Centre at (306) 766-7600. Visit the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region website at www.rqhealth.ca Page 2 of 2