Remember ABCD for prevention of malaria.
A-Awareness of risks. Travellers need to be aware of the malaria risk in the country of destination.
B-Bites. Prevention of bites has a significant impact on malaria transmission. It must be remembered that taking anti malarials is as important.
Bite prevention is using insect repellent containing Deet, wearing light coloured loose clothing, ideally long sleeves, and long trousers. Sleep under mosquito nets and where possible in air conditioned rooms with screens on the windows.
C-Chemoprophylaxis (anti-malarials.) Travellers are advised to visit a travel health specialist prior to their trip to discuss the most appropriate medication. It is vital to complete the medication on return from their trip. Travellers must be aware that no antimalarial is 100% effective so must be aware of signs and symptoms of malaria.
D-Diagnosis. It is vital to diagnose malaria promptly, as left untreated malaria can be fatal. Initial symptoms are similar to influenza so difficult to distinguish. Symptoms are unexplained high fever, sometimes accompanied by cough and or diarrhoea.
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