Malaria Raises Concerns For International Travelers

If you're traveling outside of the United States, Canada and Western Europe you might be at risk for malaria. Over 30,000 American and European travelers are infected every year. It has a 4 - 20% mortality rate.

Malaria is still an excellent killer. People with malaria experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, body aches, shaking and extreme sweating.

Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa are under the greatest risk; but all travelers to countries with malaria may come down with this deadly disease.

What areas of travel and what seasons of travel improve the threat of malarial infection?

most malarial transmission occurs in rural areas

mosquitoes breed more in low altitudes (coastal areas) with warm temperatures

rainy seasons bring out mosquitoes

most tropical and semi-tropical countries have malaria mosquitoes

dusk is the worst time because most tourists are not yet inside their rooms at the moment

How do i prevent catching malaria?

before you travel, get yourself a prescription from your doctor for malaria medicine

apply to the skin mosquito repellent with at the very least 17-35% Deet - especially spray your feet and ankles when eating at a restaurant

wear light colored long pants and shirts when outside in the evening

spray the bedroom one hour before bedtime - mosquitoes hide in dark corners, drapes and wet bathrooms

mosquito coils are effective and will be bought locally (some countries use an electric anti-mosquito device; can also be bought locally)

How can I be certain if the country I'm traveling to is a malaria hot zone?

The World Health Organization (WHO) comes with an interactive data map that shows areas of the world infected with malaria, seasons when the risk increases, and recommended ways to prevent the disease, http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also gives you travel health information at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx

We advise that you immediately seek diagnosis and treatment in the event that you develop a fever seven days or even more after entering a malaria-risk area. Travel cover will cover you up to six months after returning home for diseases incurred overseas. Should you be first diagnosed and treated in your travel country.

Talk to your travel cover broker such as for example Good Neighbor Insurance in what types of international travel cover cover costs back for diseases - like malaria - incurred overseas.

get more info at Good Neighbor Insurance for suggestions about international travel cover and malaria.