Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, unwittingly of course, and there are two main types, Vivax the usual one and Falciparum or brain malaria that is even more deadly.
Dengue fever(breakbone fever) is also rampant in almost all tropical areas now, and whilst it usually does not kill it is still a serious disease.
Dengue fever(breakbone fever) is also rampant in almost all tropical areas now, and whilst it usually does not kill it is still a serious disease.
Attempts to eradicate mosquitoes in the 1950's and 60's were partially successful but at a high cost in poisoning the environment with insecticides such as DDT.
Nowadays malaria is back with a vengeance and drugs are less effective as the mosquitoes develop immunity. Wormwood was effective but is now running into the immunity problem. Neem may be well worth considering as an alternative if needed.
Nowadays malaria is back with a vengeance and drugs are less effective as the mosquitoes develop immunity. Wormwood was effective but is now running into the immunity problem. Neem may be well worth considering as an alternative if needed.
Probably mankind's greatest foe, mosquitoes transmit malaria which alone is said to kill about two million people a year.
Not to mention all the other mosquito borne diseases. Only the females suck blood, without it they cannot make eggs. They lay in any stagnant water, so that is the first thing to get rid of.
Not to mention all the other mosquito borne diseases. Only the females suck blood, without it they cannot make eggs. They lay in any stagnant water, so that is the first thing to get rid of.
Travellers Health Tips for the Tropics.
Here are some tips on health while you are travelling, particularly when travelling in the tropics.
Make sure you take advice on risks in the areas you intend to visit, and get any needed vaccinations.
Remember most travel health problems are minor, but there are a lot more significant health dangers in the tropics and having some knowledge of them in advance is really important.
The first thing is you really need at least a minimum level of travel insurance as most third world countries demand cash in advance in order to give you (or indeed even their own citizens) any treatment.
You would not believe how bad the health system is in the Third World, as I know from my own personal experiences. Knowing this you should move the odds in your favour as much as possible.
Health Insurance is one way of doing that. As with most things shop around for the best deal and read the fine print. There can be many exclusions with some companies so you need to have a good look at the conditions of the policy. Remember cheapest is not always best.
The next point is that there are self-help techniques and knowledge of who to see when you need help which can help with most things that occur health-wise when travelling in dangerous places.
Examples of these include Mudras (hand positions usually held for between 5 to 15 minutes) which can help with problems from gastrointestinal upsets, liver problems to insomnia or anxiety to heart attack. See the page on Mudras with this site.
Acupressure can also help many types of problem.
In emergency look it up on the net. A good book is by Roger Dalet, simple instructions.
If you have no book with you, then information can be obtained on the net for both mudras and acupressure if needed.
Obviously see a good doctor if you can find one.
Pharmacies are good sources of advice, and in many countries no prescription is needed for the medicines.
Traditional Medicine Practitioners
The medical system in many Third world countries can be pretty awful, and outside of capital cities can be all but non-existent.
In such circumstances you may need to find a Chinese herbalist or other traditional practitioner. The trick of course is how to find a good one.
There is often a Chinese Medical association and they can point you to the best practitioners.
Local pharmacists may know of someone with a good reputation.
You can ask around to the locals and soon get pointers on who has a good reputation.
In cities and towns jump on the net and see if there are listings for your town, often though in the Third World there will be nothing of help on the net.
In places like Indonesia you can often find herbal practitioners selling herbs at markets (in Indonesia it is called Djamu) and they may know of someone to see (or it may be them to see).
In Africa likewise at markets there may be information.
Remember you can ask several people and get a bigger picture of who seems reliable.
Sometimes you just have to take a chance though in some places and see someone.
Medical Disclaimer
(1) No advice
This website contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such.
(2) Credit
This document was created using an SEQ Legal template.
(3) No warranties
The medical information on this website is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the medical information on this website.
Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, we do not warrant or represent that the medical information on this website:
(a) will be constantly available, or available at all; or
(b) is complete, true, accurate, up to date or non-misleading.
(4) Professional assistance
You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention.
You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.
(5) Limiting our liability
Nothing in this medical disclaimer will:
(a) limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence;
(b) limit or exclude our liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
(c) limit any of our liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable law; or
(d) exclude any of our liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law.