THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH has reminded persons travelling to areas endemic for malaria that they should begin taking the medication, malaria prophylaxis, before travel, as advised by their health care provider, and continue to take it throughout their visit to the endemic area.
This medication also needs to be taken for between one to four weeks after leaving the malaria-endemic area.
Persons are advised to contact their health care provider as soon as travel arrangements are known and to make sure that they follow the instructions of the medical practitioner and complete the full course of medication.
They should also protect themselves from insect bites while in areas at risk for malaria by wearing long-sleeved shirts or long pants; using insect repellent; and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.
Endemic areas include some countries in South and Central America, Central and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Asia. (BGIS)
