HHS HealthBeat (July 01, 2008)

Tropical troubles

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Tropical vacation this summer? Fun, but some places can be home to mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Dr. Meredith McMorrow of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that travelers get medical advice before traveling abroad.

Health care providers can explain which regions have malaria. They can also help travelers choose the best antimalarial drug for their situation.

But preventing malaria takes more than simply popping a pill.

“Antimalarial drugs are not 100 percent protective. It’s important that measures be taken to prevent mosquito bites.” (5 seconds)

McMorrow suggests staying in well-screened housing, or sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net, and using insect repellent. Travelers should also see their doctor if they develop fever after returning home because malaria can develop months after a bite – and continue their medications.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: June, 30 2008