How to Prevent Plasmodium
Things You'll Need
- Anti-malaria drug
- Mosquito net
- Mosquito repellent
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Pants
- Hat
Instructions
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Visit your doctor before traveling to a high risk area. Your doctor can prescribe anti-malaria drugs. Typically you need to start taking anti-malaria drugs 2 to 14 days before you travel, during travel and 2 to 14 days after you have returned home according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, no anti-malaria drug is 100 percent effective and therefore other protective measures need to be taken.
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Wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and pants help prevent mosquito bites, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more prevalent. White-colored clothing is preferred over black due to the heat of the tropical environment. Also wear a hat and socks to protect your head and ankles.
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Use mosquito repellent sprays or topical ointments that contain Diethyl-meta-Toluamide, also known as DEET. Products that have concentrations between 20 to 50 percent of DEET are effective in repelling mosquitoes for about four hours. Concentrations below 20 percent may not be as effective. You can also use insect repellent that contains citronella, which is less toxic but may not work as well. Lotions, sprays and citronella candles are available for purchase to help repel mosquitoes. Apply all repellents according to the label directions.
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Stay inside during hours of dusk and dawn and secure your accommodations with nets to help reduce the risk of mosquito bites. You can also buy mosquito net masks to protect your face if you must be outside. Sleep under mosquito nets to protect yourself throughout the night.
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