Out of curiosity - Malaria prevention

[Kristie]

Hey Dana,

Do you think it would help at all, when we get back from Africa, to have a blood test taken to verify whether or not we've picked up the bug? Just wondering if it would help at all or do we really need to wait for symptoms to show?

I think we'll be ok.. we've got deet, long sleeves and jeans and the whole tonic thing that Oppita (Dana) mentioned as preventatory measures. But doug's still a bit concerned since one of the F/A's died not to long ago after contracting it there.

I know they grow in the liver area and are spread via blood cell, so the diagnosis is by blood smear...but...was just wondering if it'd do any good to make sure it's caught asap IF we were to come back with it.

Of course, neither one of us are planning on getting it much less getting bit but would rather be cautionary than not!!!

Thanks!

[Dana]

Originally Posted by Kristie

Hey Dana,

Do you think it would help at all, when we get back from Africa, to have a blood test taken to verify whether or not we've picked up the bug? Just wondering if it would help at all or do we really need to wait for symptoms to show?

I think we'll be ok.. we've got deet, long sleeves and jeans and the whole tonic thing that Oppita (Dana) mentioned as preventatory measures. But doug's still a bit concerned since one of the F/A's died not to long ago after contracting it there.

I know they grow in the liver area and are spread via blood cell, so the diagnosis is by blood smear...but...was just wondering if it'd do any good to make sure it's caught asap IF we were to come back with it.

Of course, neither one of us are planning on getting it much less getting bit but would rather be cautionary than not!!!

Thanks!

I am no travel medicine expert but I looked this region up on the CDC website. This is the info I found on it. Sounds like Ghana is a region of the country that you should take meds just because you are traveling there.

I would recommend that you contact the County Health Department: Travel Medicine and ask their advice. I would defiantly make sure you had prescriptions filled for one of the meds (Doxy) and take them with you so if you start to feel bad you can start the med. It's not like you will just be in the hotel, you two will be out and about..... See below.

MARICOPA CNTY DEPT OF PUB HLTH
Forgein Travel Department 1825 E ROOSEVELT ST
PHOENIX, AZ 85006-3642
Telephone: 602-506-6900


FROM CDC Website:
Drugs to Prevent Malaria (antimalarial drugs) If you will be visiting a malaria risk area in Ghana, you will need to take one of the following antimalarial drugs: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing).
Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Ghana and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.
Malaria risk area in Ghana: All A Special Note about Antimalarial Drugs
You should purchase your antimalarial drugs before travel. Drugs purchased overseas may not be manufactured according to United States standards and may not be effective. They also may be dangerous, contain counterfeit medications or contaminants, or be combinations of drugs that are not safe to use.


is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health-care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites (see below). Travelers to malaria risk-areas in Ghana, including infants, children, and former residents of Ghana, should take one of the following antimalarial drugs listed above.
Symptoms

Malaria symptoms may include

• fever
• chills
• sweats
• headache
• body aches
• nausea and vomiting
• fatigue

Malaria symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is unlikely to be malaria; however, you should see a doctor right away if you develop a fever during your trip.
Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice. Malaria infections with Plasmodium falciparum, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and death. Despite using the protective measures outlined above, travelers may still develop malaria up to a year after returning from a malarious area. You should see a doctor immediately if you develop a fever anytime during the year following your return and tell the physician of your travel.



After You Return Home

If you are not feeling well, you should get medical attention and mention that you have recently traveled.
If you have visited a malaria-risk area, continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (doxycycline or mefloquine) or seven days (atovaquone/proguanil) after leaving the risk area.



Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history.
Important Note: This document is not a complete medical guide for travelers to this region. Consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions.