5.2 What about Malaria?
Be informed about the country you are going to and the recommended prophylactic drugs, if necessary. Much more important is to avoid getting bitten - in the evenings and at night.
Ensure that you take the recommended drug, at the recommended dose, for the recommended time – before, during and after your return!
Take every precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Sleep under permethrin impregnated bed nets (taken with you if need be)
Use a DEET-based insect repellent
Spray your room each night
Keep well covered - wearing long sleeve shirts and long trousers in the evenings etc.
After your return to the UK
Continue to take antimalarials for the recommended time after your return
Make sure that you report any suspicious symptoms for at least 3 months after return.
Don't delay seeking advice. If you should develop a febrile illness in the year following your return, ensure that your GP knows if you have been living in a malarious area.
My thanks to Chris Lavy, Eldryd Parry, Ian Spillman and Nick Wooding, all of whom have worked overseas and have a continuing involvement, for their helpful comments and advice.
First edition 1994 - Entitled ‘A Medical Missions Handbook’ by Peter Saunders.
Second Edition 1998 (updated April 2000)
Third Edition September 2003 - by Peter Armon
Fourth Edition 2007 – renamed ‘Working Abroad’ - totally revised & rewritten by Peter Armon
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