By Sgt. A. Sia
Malaria
This information is not intended to alarm or discourage anyone from getting out
and into the `bush'. Its' intention is a reminder of where you are and what is
out there that can harm you. For those of us that have gone through jungle training the question poised was rather odd: "Why do you wear long pants in Thailand?"
A minor wound can quickly become a serious infection in the tropics. Aside from
that the first thing I thought about was the mosquito. Annually, mosquitoes
account for more deaths worldwide than any other living creature and Thailand
fit's the bill quite well for the habitat needed for this multiple disease
carrier to flourish.
Contrary to popular belief, malaria is transmitted from the mosquito to the
human. First bite, first victim. The most common carrier is the Anopheles mosquito. Common worldwide but found mostly in subtropical and tropical zones, the larvae feeds in stagnate waters ingesting the malaria germ which lives in the saliva up to the day the mosquito finally dies.
Though malaria born mosquitoes are generally found below 1,500 ft. in
elevation, it is not uncommon to be at risk in any area with a climate like
southeast Asia. Three of the five provinces in Thailand that rank highest on the Thai malaria
list are also popular destinations for tourists. One such province is
predominately above 1,500 ft. elev. Don't be fooled. Malaria is alive and well. As recent as 1993 it ranked third in health risks in Saint Louis, Mo. In Asia the threat is worse as is the
strain along with a few other threats. Ever heard of the Botfly? This little guy
would be considered a sleeper cell in the terrorist world.
The Botfly lays its eggs on a mosquito and when a human is bitten the eggs
transfer into the blood stream. When hatched, the larvae heads straight to the
brain. Not good and potentially fatal.
KEY NOTE: The Anopheles mosquito is a night feeder so it is best to cover up in
the evening hours.
Prevention is the best medicine.
Stock up on B-1 vitamins: Monosodium Thiamine (B-1) is a water based vitamin.
If taken in quantity, say two 100 mg tablets a day, the body throws off the
excess as a secretion through the pores and creates a barrier that confuses the
mosquito. She can detect the heat but cannot find the flesh.
Pack some fabric dryer sheets: Those little napkin sized fabric fresheners
used in clothes dryers contain chemicals that effectively ward off mosquitoes.
Tie a couple to your belt or shoe laces. Hang them at the entry way to your
room. Better yet, wipe yourself down and then tie them on. Believe me, they
work!
Counterfeit malaria meds are very common throughout the Mekong River area. If
you feel you need meds go to a hospital and not the local pharmacy. According
to WHO counterfeit malaria meds account for 20% of the market in the above
mentioned area.
Symptoms: Common symptoms of this disease are flu like. Shivers followed by
long bouts of heavy sweating. Joint pain. Vomiting. In children, slumped
posture and disorientation has led some scientists to conclude malaria can
effect the brain as well long before the fever begins.
The Ministry of Tourism downplays this information along with even more serious
health information about key destinations. It is up to the traveler to vanguard
himself against what is out there. After contacting my own state department and
getting less than nothing back, I felt compelled to jot these facts down for
those heading into any S.E. Asian country. If you found this interesting, you
may want to read up on the following:
Mosquito born diseases
Round Worm
Hook Worm
Liver Fluke
Keep safe. Keep your shoes on and stay out of still water.
Never, ever urinate while swimming in fresh water.
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you can always spend more
