Ask the Expert: Malaria Myths and Facts
Many Canadians will be surprised to know that malaria is increasingly becoming a threat in many popular Canadian vacation destinations. Dr. Jay Keystone, Medisys Travel Medicine Specialist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, has answered a few questions about the disease.
What is malaria and how do you catch it?
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is commonly spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The infection cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
Typical symptoms include fever, headaches, chills, tiredness, muscle aches and vomiting. For most people, symptoms begin 10 days to 4 weeks after infection, although a person may feel ill as early as 7 days or as late as 1 year later. It is important for anyone who has a fever during their trip or within three months of returning from a malaria-prone area to seek immediate medical attention. In general, malaria is a curable disease if diagnosed and treated promptly and correctly, however it can be deadly if not caught in time.
I thought malaria was found in areas like Africa and Asia – is there any need for most Canadians to be concerned about contracting it?
Malaria is not endemic in Canada, but it is present in the Caribbean including Jamaica and certain areas of the Dominican Republic – all very popular travel destinations for Canadians. It is also common in large areas of Central and South America, Haiti, Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific.
Can anything be done to prevent malaria?
There are two ways to prevent malaria infection:
The first is to avoid mosquitoes especially from dusk until dawn when they are most actively feeding. Use an insect repellent containing DEET while you are outside and, where applicable, bed nets to keep mosquitoes at bay. Staying indoors and wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing in the evening will provide additional protection.
The best way to avoid contracting malaria is to take a preventive anti-malarial medication. You should to talk to your health care provider or travel medicine expert six to eight weeks before your trip. However, some anti-malarial medications can still be started a couple of days prior to your vacation.
More information is available online at http://www.MalariaFacts.ca.
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