If your next adventure is to a tropical or far-flung destination, remember that malaria could be present in your intended location.
Malaria transmission is actually happening in 85 countries and territories around the world right now, in five World Health Organisation regions. Rather than being just something that happens in Africa, it is also a big risk in places such as Papua New Guinea, and found in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, China, India, Saudi Arabia, the Dominican Republic, Thailand and Vietnam. There are many others.
Making malaria and travel insurance strategies part of your holiday planning
If your next adventure is to a tropical or far-flung destination, remember that malaria could be present in your intended location.
Malaria transmission is actually happening in 85 countries and territories around the world right now, in five World Health Organisation regions. Rather than being just something that happens in Africa, it is also a big risk in places such as Papua New Guinea, and found in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, China, India, Saudi Arabia, the Dominican Republic, Thailand and Vietnam. There are many others.
What is malaria?
Malaria is a serious and potentially deadly disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and it can be difficult to stay clear of these creatures, especially when sleeping. Using 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide)-based insect repellent on your skin can help and you should make sure you are sleeping under mosquito nets, treated with insecticide. Check that your accommodation has these, before booking, and, on arrival, check the nets are in good repair. Consider taking a net with you, if you have any concerns.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers by night, will help prevent bites when the insects are most active.
Spotting the symptoms of malaria
It is important to know the symptoms of malaria, so that, if someone in your party does become unwell, you can get them to the nearest medical facility, quickly!
Watch out for a high temperature or fever, accompanied by shivering and sweating. Muscle aches, headache, vomiting and possible 'flu like' symptoms may also present. However, symptoms can also be vague, particularly in children, and someone may simply feel 'out of sorts'. You must seek urgent medical attention, if you become unwell with any of these symptoms, during or after a visit to a country where malaria is present.
The need for speedy diagnosis and prompt treatment
Malaria can become life-threatening within 24 hours, so it's very important to know the symptoms, and research where the nearest medical facilities are, before you travel.
However, it's also worth remembering that some forms of malaria can develop many months after visiting an affected country, so you need to maintain a watchful eye for symptoms for some time after your travels.
Having travel insurance can be a huge asset, should you or a friend or family member be hospitalised. It can help ensure the patient gets the right treatment but also provide access to a team of health emergency professionals who can communicate with medical teams.
Who is most vulnerable to malaria?
People facing an increased risk of malaria include babies, children, pregnant women and the elderly, so be especially attentive to risk-prevention measures if you have family members in any of these groups, and be more alert to any presentation of symptoms from anyone within these demographics.
A happy and healthy holiday
If you get the right medical advice before travelling and have travel insurance in your locker, you should be able to stay as safe as possible, even in a malaria zone. Just be sensible, make sure you don’t forget to take treatment or apply repellent and do all you can to avoid bites.
Get your travel insurance protection at www.europesuretravelinsurance.com, choosing the right policy for your destination and how frequently you travel in a year, and you should not be bitten by situations that you cannot afford to manage, without its help.
