The best protection against malaria is the use of anti-malarial drugs, the use of mosquito nets, window nets and repellants …
When going on vacation to exotic places, you need to know what to avoid and what to watch out for. Everyone who goes on an exotic trip should remember about the prevention of malaria, while many Poles believe that the problem of malaria does not concern them. - That is why it is so important to make Polish tourists aware of the importance of using malaria prophylaxis when traveling to tropical regions. Every year, more and more people returning from exotic travels need the help of specialist doctors - says Dr. Piotr Kajfasz from the Department of Animal and Tropical Diseases at the Medical University of Warsaw, a specialist in infectious diseases, marine and tropical medicine. Remember that the highest activity of mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles It falls on the period from dusk to dawn. In shaded areas and close to water bodies, mosquito activity can remain high throughout the day. The greatest risk of contamination occurs at the end of the rainy season, around the breeding areas, i.e. freshwater reservoirs. Mosquitoes are more likely to sit on black objects and attack victims with increased body temperature, which include, among others pregnant women (intrauterine infections lead to miscarriage, fetal death or congenital malaria!).
Choose bright clothes and use repellants
Mosquito receptors react to changes in the concentration of carbon dioxide and odorous secretions from sweat. - Whether an individual is attractive to a female mosquito depends on the chemical composition of the sweat, primarily the butyric acid present in it. Most of the repellants available in stores contain DEET, i.e. meta-N, N-diethyltoluamide, a compound that repels insects and is non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin at the same time. Repellents are in the form of sprays, lotions, ointments, creams - says Dr. Piotr Kajfasz, MD. - Preparations with a dozen or so percent DEET content are effective for up to 60 minutes. Agents containing DEET in a concentration in the range of 20-30% work for several hours. Thoroughly spreading the repellent over the body surface is very important, because mosquitoes land on the skin already 4 centimeters from the area protected by the repellent. Killinga feeding mosquito is a mistake, because the spreading of even trace amounts of blood on the skin will attract other representatives of this species within a radius of several dozen meters. Fragrances: clove, bergamot, lavender, mint, eucalyptus, citronella, cedar, bird cherry, pelargonium, lemon balm, garlic, thiamine (VitB1) have a questionable deterrent effect and are poorly used as repellants. Remember that in the tropics it is recommended to wear clothes in bright colors, and after sunset being in closed, air-conditioned rooms. In the afternoon and evening hours, apply mosquito repellents to the skin and cover as much of the body as possible (long pants, long-sleeved shirt). It is worth remembering that in windy weather or increased sweating, the effectiveness of the repellent is short-lived and it should be reapplied (often several times a day). After swimming, bathing, showering, the situation is similar. Before falling asleep, check the room carefully - whether a mosquito got here. Mosquitoes are usually hidden in window frames, doors and behind furniture. Check the tightness of tents, nets in the windows, mosquito nets and spray them with an insecticide, preferably one containing permethrin. In air-conditioned rooms, make sure that windows and doors are tightly closed. Fan on, ceiling fan, air conditioning can be effective against mosquitoes. The airflow makes it difficult for mosquitoes to travel and find their target. These insects do not like air movement, they cannot cope with windy weather. People traveling to malaria areas should absolutely use anti-malarial prophylaxis. A few weeks before departure, visit a travel medicine doctor who will prescribe the appropriate preparation, suggest vaccinations against selected infectious diseases and discuss the rules of behavior in the tropics.
Good advice before leaving
- Ask your doctor about the necessary prophylaxis before departure (tests and vaccinations). It is never too late to consult your doctor and take the necessary precautions.
- Do not buy drugs online or assume that you will buy them locally (in exotic countries there is a trade in counterfeit drugs and therefore ineffective).
- Always travel with a handy first aid kit, which will contain the necessary medications and dressings.
- Take care of hygiene and diet. Contaminated food and water are a common source of hepatitis A infection. Always wash and dry your hands before meals. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice cubes.Peel all fruits and vegetables. Keep your food safe from insects. Avoid uncooked meat and shellfish.
- Be careful with insects, for example mosquitoes, which can transmit a number of diseases (e.g. malaria, yellow fever). Use insect repellent.
- Enjoy the sun in moderation. Avoid staying in the sun when its influence is strongest. Use barrier creams.
- Avoid casual sexual contact, which may result in hepatitis B3 or HIV infection.
- Give up getting tattoos or visiting local hairdressing or beauty salons - you can get infected with many diseases there, including hepatitis C.
- After your return, see your doctor. If you feel unwell when you return, see a doctor immediately and seek his advice.