Sophia Grant, Crew Health Programme Director at UK P&I Club presents prevention methods for malaria, a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes.
As explained, the most common early symptoms of malaria are fever, headache and chills. Symptoms usually start within 10–15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may be mild for some people, especially for those who have had a malaria infection before. Because some malaria symptoms are not specific, getting tested early is important.
Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk. Severe symptoms include:
- extreme tiredness and fatigue
- impaired consciousness
- multiple convulsions
- difficulty breathing
- dark or bloody urine
- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- abnormal bleeding.
People with severe symptoms should get emergency care right away. Getting treatment early for mild malaria can stop the infection from becoming severe
Prevention Methods
- Carrying the correct medication for applicable geographic area on board in adequate quantities
- Mosquitoes are attracted by light and areas with stagnant water- care should be taken to ensure there is no stagnant water anywhere on a vessel and that the amount of light, where safe to do so, is reduced
- Ensure that no crew members sleep on deck
- Apply insecticides in cabins
- Use mosquito repellent sprays
- Avoid exposing skin
- Use mosquito nets which have been treated with an effective insecticide (on doors, windows, to sleep under and over ventilation holes, especially at night)
If malaria is diagnosed and treated early, it is usually completely curable. However, if left untreated, it may lead to complications and, potentially, death. Some complications which can arise include: kidney failure, liver failure, acute respiratory distress, circulatory collapse, secondary infections and more.
