The significant growth in malaria cases in Southern Africa over the last couple
of years is mostly due to the greater movement of people, particularly since the
opening up of our borders after the elections.

The spread of malaria has very little to do with global warming, drug resistance
or AIDS/HIV. As the mosquito is just a conduit or method of transmission, it is
the human population that is actually responsible for the incubation and large-
scale spread of the disease.

While there are actually four species of malaria parasite, only Plasmodium falciparum is potentially life threatening. While the other strains are re-occurring and chronically debilitating, they are all fully treatable. If caught early enough, falciparum is also treatable. Only the female Anopheles funestus mosquito transmits Plasmodium falciparum, as it is she who requires a blood meal before laying her eggs. The
male mainly consumes plant nectar.

There have been cases of people contracting bouts of malaria outside of infected areas, but this is mainly due to mosquitoes catching rides in airplanes, trains or
motor vehicles and then biting somebody upon arrival at a foreign destination.
This is known as airport malaria and is also a growing problem.

Chemical sprays to control the growth of the Anopheles mosquito are only part
of the solution, as the parasite can remain dormant in its human host. As a result,
an outbreak will occur again during each breeding season. To be truly effective,
our scientists will have to find ways of eradicating the parasites from all human
hosts as well, perhaps in the form of an inoculation or other medication? These programs will also have to include most herbivores, as cows and other such
animals act as large reservoir hosts during the dry and cooler winter months.

In the meantime, we must all be extra vigilant and take every precaution to prevent being bitten at all times. There are several very effective repellents on the market, some chemical and some herbal. Herbal sprays are normally based on citronella
oil, artemesia, lavender oil, lemon grass or other such oils with repellent qualities. Chemical sprays use a product called Diethyltoluamide or Deet.

Other precautions such as using chemically- impregnated bed nets, mosquito coils and of course, a chemoprophylaxis, are also recommended. Your local travel clinic
or doctor can advise you on all of these matters.

For further information, please contact us on one of the following;-
Telephone; 033 – 330 5341
Facsimile; 033 – 330 5342
Email;
Web-site; www.hubers.co.za