How to Prevent Plasmodium

Plasmodium is a single-celled protozoa that most commonly is known as the parasite that causes malaria. Malaria is usually transmitted by mosquitoes that are infected with the Plasmodium protozoa. Most commonly malaria occurs in sub-tropical and tropical countries including southern and eastern Asia, Africa, India, Mexico, Central and South America and Papua New Guinea among several other areas. An average of 1,500 cases of malaria is reported in the U.S. every year. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills and an illness that resembles the flu. Severe cases of malaria can cause kidney failure, severe anemia, seizures and death. The best way to prevent Plasmodium infection is to secure yourself from mosquito bites.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-malaria drug
• Mosquito net
• Mosquito repellent
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Pants
• Hat

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Instructions

• 1

  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.

• 2

  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.

• 3

  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.

• 4

  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.