Malaria poses a serious health risk during travel, particularly for children whose immune systems may not be fully developed. Transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, malaria can lead to severe symptoms like high fever, chills, and fatigue.
Especially when travelling to tropical regions where malaria is present, protecting children with preventive measures is important. Visiting a travel clinic before leaving for your destination and getting expert advice can ensure your family’s travel experience remains safe.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to keep children safe while travelling to malaria prone areas.
In Which Areas is Malaria Most Prevalent?
Malaria continues to be a significant health risk in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Knowing where malaria thrives can help you better prepare and protect your family. Here’s a list of the malaria risk areas-
- Sub-Saharan Africa- This region has the highest incidence of malaria, with children being particularly vulnerable.
- South Asia- Countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh also report significant numbers of malaria cases.
- Central and South America- Travellers to the Amazon basin should be particularly cautious.
- Caribbean- Specifically, the Dominican Republic and Haiti are noted risk areas.
- Middle East- Certain rural areas in the Middle East also present malaria risks.
- Pacific Islands- Some islands in the western Pacific are malaria zones.
Malaria cannot be transmitted from person to person like a cold or the flu and is not naturally occurring in the UK.
What are the Symptoms of Malaria?
Malaria is a severe illness that often starts with symptoms similar to the flu. These symptoms can worsen rapidly, making them particularly dangerous for children. Some of the malaria symptoms in children include-
- Fever, sweating, and chills
- Severe headaches and confusion
- Excessive tiredness, a key concern for children
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pains
- Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Respiratory problems such as a sore throat or cough, and difficulty breathing
Symptoms generally appear 7 to 18 days following a mosquito bite but can be delayed for months or even up to a year in rare cases.
How Can You Treat Malaria?
Malaria is a serious disease that requires immediate and effective treatment. Malaria treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and which type of malaria parasite has caused the infection. Here’s a look at the typical treatments for malaria-
- Antimalarial medications are effective when administered under medical guidance.
- Hospitalisation may be required for severe cases to provide comprehensive care and monitoring.
- Recurrences of malaria are possible and require repeated treatments.
Malaria Prevention Tips for Kids by Age Group
Protecting children from malaria is crucial, especially when travelling to areas where the disease is common. Kids are especially at risk, so it’s important to adopt prevention strategies that align with their age and specific needs. Here are a few ways on how to keep your children safe from malaria based on their age-
- Infants- Use permethrin-treated mosquito nets and ensure the sleeping environment is mosquito-proof.
- Young Children- Apply child-safe insect repellents under supervision, and dress them in long sleeves and pants during early mornings and evenings.
- Teenagers- Same precautions as adults, including the use of prophylactic antimalarial medications as recommended by health professionals.
Which is the Best Antimalarial for Children During Travel?
Atovaquone & Proguanil for children is effective for preventing malaria in all regions around the world. Start giving it to your child 1 day before your trip begins. Continue giving it daily during your stay, and keep up the regimen for seven days after you leave the malaria-prone area. This schedule makes sure your child is fully protected throughout your travel and even after you return home.
Alternative Malaria Prevention Methods for Children During Travel
A combination of medical and non-medical strategies boosts your family’s defence against malaria. To protect your kids from mosquito bites, which are the primary way malaria spreads, consider these non-medical prevention methods-
- Insecticide-treated bed nets- These nets, treated with insecticides, are among the most effective tools for protecting against mosquito bites at night, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Protective clothing, preferably treated with permethrin- Dressing children in clothes treated with permethrin not only deters mosquitoes but can actively kill them upon contact. Long sleeves and pants can provide additional protection.
- Environmental modifications to avoid mosquito breeding sites near dwellings- Making sure that your stay is free from standing water can drastically reduce the mosquito population in the area, as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Visit Village Pharmacy for Expert Advice on Antimalarials
By visiting our travel clinic well before your departure, you can secure peace of mind knowing that your family is prepared against malaria.
Effective preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Make the health and safety of your children a priority by booking an appointment with us today.
