Michael Kirsch, MD is a full time practicing physician and freelance author. He writes about the joys and challenges of medical practice including controversies in the doctor-patient relationship, medical ethics and measuring medical quality. When he is not writing, he is performing colonoscopies. For more information on travel vaccinations, immunizations and trip advice, visit: http://travelclinicsofamerica.com and his blog: http://travelvaccineforum.wordpress.com/
Malaria Prevention - International Travelers Are Warned!
Malaria infects about 250 million people annually including 1 million fatalities. Consider for a moment the magnitude of these astronomical numbers. For perspective, the entire population of the United States is about 300 million people. International travelers are at risk of contracting this disease. Malaria lurks in parts of Asia, Africa, Mexico and South America. There is no vaccine against malaria. Fortunately, savvy and prepared travelers can dramatically reduce their risk.Here's the malaria life cycle story in 3 sentences. First, a female mosquito takes a blood meal from an infected person and sucks in some malaria that come along for the ride. Once inside the mosquito, the malaria parasite undergoes a complex process and ultimately migrates to the insect's salivary glands. The next unlucky human victim that this mosquito punctures is at risk of receiving an injection of the malaria parasite. Soon afterward, the fun and fevers begin.Travelers have two effective strategies to reduce their risks. Taking prophylactic medications and making themselves as inhospitable and inaccessible to mosquitoes as possible. While these methods are effective, no strategy is guaranteed.Travelers who will be in malaria endemic regions will be advised before their trip to take prophylactic medications to prevent the disease. It is absolutely critical to take these medications for the full recommended time course. There have been travelers who have made a regrettable decision to stop their medication prematurely after their trip believing that their risk had passed. They won't make this mistake twice. Malaria is not a souvenir that you want to bring home. Take your medicine!