Must-have strategy for outbound travel 2
What you need to know about the risk of malaria transmission
links and precautions
Malaria, also known as "swing" or "miasma", is an infectious disease caused by the malaria parasite. The malaria parasite enters the body through the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes and causes symptoms such as periodic fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. If left untreated, malaria can be life-threatening. For those planning to travel abroad, it is important to understand the risk of malaria transmission and preventive measures.
1. Where is the risk of malaria transmission?
Anopheles mosquito bites: The main route of transmission of malaria is the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes.
1. Seasonal risk: During the rainy and warm seasons, Anopheles mosquitoes are more active and the risk of malaria transmission increases.
2. Outdoor activities: At dusk and dawn, Anopheles mosquitoes are most active, and outdoor activities increase the risk of infection.
II. What measures are needed to prevent malaria?
1. Use insect repellent: Use insect repellent containing DEET, DEET ester or other active ingredients on skin and clothing.
2. Wear protective clothing: Wear light-colored clothing, and try to choose long-sleeved clothes and long pants to reduce skin exposure.
3. Use bed nets: When staying in malaria-endemic areas, it's best to use insecticide-treated bed nets.
4. Oral prophylaxis: Depending on the travel destination and personal health status, consult a doctor and take appropriate antimalarial medications.
5. Avoid outdoor activities during peak periods: Try to avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when Anopheles mosquitoes are active.
3. Required during the trip and after returning
What should I pay attention to?
1. Be vigilant: If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, diarrhea and other symptoms during your trip to endemic areas or within 1 month of returning from a short-term outbound trip, you should seek medical attention immediately. If a returnee who has been living in malaria-endemic areas for a long time and develops symptoms such as fever within 2 years after entering the country, he or she should go to a hospital at or above the county level for treatment in a timely manner.
2. Inform your travel history: When you seek medical attention, be sure to inform your doctor about your travel history and possible risk of malaria exposure.
3. Follow the doctor's instructions: strictly follow the doctor's guidance for treatment and follow-up observation.
Although it is possible to contract malaria when traveling abroad, we can greatly reduce the risk of infection by understanding the characteristics of its transmission and taking appropriate precautions. While enjoying your trip, don't forget to protect your own health and the health of others. Travel safely and come back healthy!
Contributed by Sun Junling, Tu Hong, and Zhou Sheng, Department of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention