Malaria cases reported from Thailand
Thursday, 16 May, 2002

Eurosurveillance weekly reports on 2 cases of falcparum malaria in 2 German travellers to the Khao Sok national park area of southern Thailand.

According to the report there was no link between the travellers apart from time of travel. This may be important as there may be currently a change of conditions and recommendations regarding the use of antimalarial prophylaxis may need to change.

Much of Thailand is low risk for malaria exposure however there are certain areas, particularly the border regions with Myanmar and Cambodia where the risk is greater.

Malaria is a parasitic infection of red blood cells. It is acquired via the bite of female anopheline mosquitoes. The ecology of the disease is complex depending on factors such as altitude, climate, breeding sites and human behaviour for successful transmission of the disease in an area. Mosquito populations will dramatically increase as the water collects and stagnates in pools as is the case during and after monsoonal rains.

There are three golden rules for preventing illness and death from malaria; avoid being bitten, use appropriate preventive antimalarial drugs, diagnose and treat malaria promptly.

Doctors and nursing staff working in The Travel Doctor Group are experienced in recommendations on malaria. An excellent malaria prevention leaflet is available in the centres. The Travel Doctor will continue to monitor the situation in this region. Appointments may be made by contacting your local clinic on 1300 65 88 44

Back To Top