TRAVEL SMARTER
Malaria is a serious infectious disease threat that primarily exists in many of the world’s subtropical and tropical regions — areas popular with divers — where the environmental conditions support a stable, infected population of Anopheles mosquitoes. DAN urges all divers to assess their risk and take appropriate preventative measures — avoiding mosquito bites and using prophylactic medication — when traveling to these destinations.
To prevent mosquito bites that transmit malaria, stay in well-screened areas when possible. If outdoors, wear clothes that cover most of your body, including your feet and ankles. Use mosquito nets while sleeping, and treat your clothing, tents, and nets with insecticide and repellent.
Personal repellents should contain at least 30% DEET; concentrations above 30% do not significantly improve the protective effect or duration. Standard repellents last about four hours, but longer-acting versions are available. Picaridin is an effective alternative to DEET.
Ask your physician about prescription prophylactic drugs before traveling. Most medications are safe and well-tolerated, but some people may have severe side effects and toxic reactions, as with any drug. The antimalarial drug mefloquine (Lariam) occasionally causes side effects that mimic symptoms of decompression sickness. Some countries prohibit diving while taking mefloquine, so ask your physician about possible drug substitutions, such as a combination of atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone). If you cannot take a prophylactic antimalarial medication, do not travel to high-risk areas.
It is still possible to contract malaria even with stringent preventive measures. The symptoms may not develop until long after your trip, so continue prophylaxis treatment for four weeks following your return home.
Immediately seek medical attention if you develop flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, or possibly nausea, during the trip or within several months after your last exposure. Be sure to share your travel history and possible malaria exposure with medical professionals. Malaria can become life-threatening if not quickly diagnosed and treated.
© Alert Diver – Q4 2024