Malaria Prevention

Many tourists visiting African countries often have concerns about two exotic diseases: yellow fever and malaria. While vaccination can provide protection against yellow fever, it's difficult to entirely avoid the risk of contracting malaria. There's no guarantee that a mosquito bite won't lead to harmful consequences beyond a brief itch. However, locals have developed ways to survive and manage these conditions.

While malaria cases do exist in Tanzania, it is not a disease that lurks around every corner of the country. The disease is caused by four different types of malarial plasmodium, which are carried by Anopheles mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are not found everywhere and are closely tied to standing water, with a flying range of no more than 8 km. Thus, the risk of being bitten by a malarial mosquito is highest in areas where they permanently reside, such as tropical forests, slopes, marshes, and drying water areas. For instance, in the dry savannah and northern Tanzania, where the climate is cooler and nights are colder, Anopheles mosquitoes are scarce. They only thrive in tropical forests, marshes, and islands where the air temperature is conducive to plasmodium reproduction (above 20°C) and there is no wind.

• The environment must be conducive for the disease vector's (mosquito) activity, such as standing water, high humidity, boggy or forest terrain.
• Exposure during the mosquito's active biting period, which is usually in the evening and night.
• Inadequate protective measures, such as not using repellents or wearing minimal clothing, or not sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet or using a fumigator.
• The mosquito must have previously bitten an infected person and incubated the malaria parasite for 4-10 days before biting the individual.
• A weakened immune system due to a long-term illness, making the person unable to fight off the infection.

Based on the recommendations of medical professionals and experienced travelers, there are two effective methods to combat the risk of contracting malaria:

Take drugs for the prevention

One way to prepare for a possible encounter with a malaria-carrying mosquito is to take a course of special medicines. The most popular options include Lariam, Doxycycline, and Malarone (or Malanil). It is recommended to begin taking these medications before your departure and to continue the regimen throughout your trip and for 2-4 weeks after leaving the country. But you should note that all these drugs are not harmless for your health because they have a lot of contraindications which could have a negative impact on your body. Liver, intestinal tract, the organs of vision and nervous systems could be affected because of such prevention. Therefore, we advise you to discuss it with your doctor before taking these medicines.

To be careful

If you want to avoid the potential side effects of medication, you can protect yourself by using repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and choosing a safe place to sleep. Many hotels provide mosquito nets that are treated with insecticide, and air conditioning can also help since mosquitoes are deterred by cool temperatures. It's important to note that the plasmodium parasite cannot develop at temperatures below +20°C.

Be Aware of These Symptoms: Possible Signs of Malaria Infection

• Weakness, drowsiness, headache
• Increase in body temperature
• Muscle and joint pain
• Dry mouth

Consider taking precautions and following the advice of doctors and seasoned travelers. Take preventive medication, use repellents, wear long sleeves clothes, and sleep in places equipped with mosquito nets and air-conditioners. Be aware of the symptoms of malaria, and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any suspicious symptoms. With proper precautions and timely medical intervention, malaria can be easily treated. Don't let mosquitoes spoil your adventure!