Malaria Prevention

Malaria is possibly one of the most widespread diseases caused by mosquitoes to date, affecting over 350 million people every single year. However, there are a number of precautions you can take to ensure that your body is protected against Malaria and all other mosquito related diseases before you travel.

1. Anti-malarial drugs

Whilst there is no definitive vaccine to cure Malaria, by following a full course of anti-malarial drugs you can feel confident that your body is protected.
There are though some strains of Malaria that have become resistant to these drugs, so it is vital that you use other forms of Malaria prevention as well.

2. Wear Mosquito patches, sprays, lotions or wrist bands

There are a number of products out there that can help you to naturally disguise your smell and prevent mosquito bites. When mosquitoes hunt they track the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from your body, as well as your body temperature and blood type.
By wearing a patch such as Mosquito Patch, the Thiamine absorbed into your body can gradually alter your scent (by excreting its excess through your sweat, breathe and urine) and make you unappealing to mosquitoes for over 24 hours.

1. Mosquito Patch -  lasts 24 hours
2. Sprays/lotions – 100% resistance for 2 hours (synthetic), 30-60 minutes (natural)
3. Wrist band – 100 hours (7 hours per day, 14 days), but is only localised to your wrists and ankles

3. Take note of the season/where you are going

Malaria is mainly found in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands; however you can now find Malaria in parts of Europe and the Middle East.
Because of this, it is important that you are aware of the natural habits of mosquitoes. For instance, mosquitoes naturally breed near water so during the countries rainy season you will find more mosquitoes hovering about. Similarly, most breeds of mosquitoes feed between dusk and dawn (peak time 2am in the morning), so if you are out during that time you are more likely to get bitten.

4. Consider your circumstances

If you are pregnant, have got a baby or generally have got children, it is not recommended that you travel to countries that are known to have Malaria as you are at a higher risk of suffering from severe Malaria.
Pregnant women in particular are a target for mosquitoes as they breathe out 21% more carbon dioxide than the average person whilst their stomach is 1.26 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the rest of their body.

5. Take precautions

Even if you are staying in a hotel that has got air conditioning, and you are wearing a mosquito patch, there are other precautions you can take to protect yourself:

• Place a mosquito net over your bed at night. The best ones are coated in pyrethroid insecticide
• Spray your room with an insecticide before you enter to kill any mosquitoes that have got inside during the day
• Hang a mosquito coil in your room. Filled with dried pyrethrum powder, when this is burned a smoke is released that repels mosquitoes for up to 8 hours
• After sunset wear long sleeves, trousers and socks - your ankles are particularly at risk of being bitten. Also opt to wear light colours as these are less attractive to mosquitoes
• Cover your bedroom door and windows with fine mesh netting/gauze (with no holes). This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your room