How to prevent malaria infection

Malaria is an acute infectious disease caused by a protozoan called plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the female anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria infections are more common in warm climates such as in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention estimates that 300 to 500 million cases of malaria occur each year, with more than one million resulting in death. Americans travelling to countries where malaria is common should follow several steps in order to prevent malaria infection.

Things You'll Need

• Treated mosquito net
• Insect repellent
• Malaria prophylactic drugs
• Gloves
• Long-sleeved clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Drain and eliminate breeding areas of mosquitoes such as swampy, stagnant water around the house.

• 2

  Apply an insect repellent to the skin and clothing in order to prevent mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeved clothing to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquito bites are more common at night. Travellers should therefore apply insecticide before sleeping. Using a treated mosquito net at night may also prevent bites.

• 3

  Seek prophylactic drug therapy two weeks before travelling to tropical countries. Malaria prophylactic drugs are continued for up to six weeks after leaving the countries where malaria is common. Doctors may advise travellers whom they assess to be at higher risk of malaria to carry a full course of malaria treatment during international tavel.