Malaria is a disease you can get from the bite of an infected mosquito. Only a certain type of mosquito (the Anopheles mosquito) can transmit malaria.

Malaria comes in several forms and can cause a variety of symptoms, which include:

fever

headache

kidney failure

chills

abdominal pain

possibly, death

It is extremely important to prevent malaria if you are going to a country where you can contract this disease.

The best way to prevent malaria is

The malaria mosquito bites from dusk to dawn,so

1) Wear protective clothing during these times-long, lightweight pants, shirts and socks.

2) Use mosquito repellant on exposed areas of skin.

• Several products are available containing the most effective repellant, DEET(N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) in long acting, low concentration forms, that can be used in children.
• Specifically, look for mosquito repellants containing DEET in concentrations of less than or equal to 10% for children under the age of 12. Adults and older children (older than 12) can also use concentrations of DEET up to 35%. The lower the concentration, the shorter the duration of protection. DEET should not be used on infants under 2 years of age, pregnant women, or children's bedding or bedclothes.
• 100% is not needed for anyone!

3) Applying the repellant:

• During the day, apply the repellant 30 minutes after applying sunscreen.
• Do not apply it to the palms of your children. Put it on exposed skin only & not under clothes.
• Apply a small amount to the skin. Do not rub in! Use the cream on the skin and the spray on the bednetting or selected clothing.
• Avoid applying around wounds, scratches, & the area around the eyes & mouth
• Wash the repellant off when you return indoors.
• If you choose to treat certain pieces of clothing, keep them separated in a resealable plastic bag for use at dusk.

Some examples (not necessarily endorsement) are:

• DEET - Plus, by Sawyer: 1-800-356-7811
• Hourguard - 12, by Amway: contact a representative
• Or any brand that has DEET concentrations as above

4) While Avon Skin-so Soft is known, for unclear reasons, to repell insects, be aware that good scientific studies have shown it is only effective for 20 minutes and must be reapplied frequently. It has not been shown to be effective against the mosquito that causes malaria, so it is not recommended to use if you are going to a malarious area.

5) Mosquito nets on the bed will help protect your child, especially an infant, during the risky nighttime period. Nets that are soaked in a long acting repellant, Permethrin, are most effective.

6) Depending on your destination, you may be given a medication to take to prevent malaria.

• This medication is taken by mouth one time per week

• You must start the medication

-1 week before entering the malarious area, and

-take it once a week while there, and

-continue the once a week dose for 4 weeks after you return. This is essential to prevent the parasite from developing in your body when you leave the area.

• The malaria prevention medication only comes in tablet form in the U.S. You can crush the appropriate dose and put it in sweet jam, chocolate syrup, juice, a candy bar, or any food that will hide the bitter taste.
• These medications are highly toxic, in an overdose. Be sure to keep them away from accidentally be eaten by small children. Keep the medication in the original bottle with the childproof cap! Remember to bring Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting in an overdose.

7) If your child has a high fever or any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical care within 24 hours. If you or your child has malaria, it can be treated with medication, but it is essential to SEE A DOCTOR!!

When you return, if your child is seen for a fever or illness, at any time during the next 6 months, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse practitioner where you have traveled and what you did to prevent malaria.

Taking these relatively simple precautions will be your best insurance for prevention!!!!

SMM03, LYC