im a new yorker who is now visiting the dominican republic, and i just read that its one of those countries thats infested with the parasite and i have mosquitos bites and stuff. what now? when i get back is it mandatory to get checked under american regulations? is malria treatable? am i going to die or what? what are the chances i even have it? if someone were to give me the information that i need, i will love you for life. thanks.
2007-01-24 15:21:11 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
"Infested" is a bit strong. There is malaria in the Dominican Republic, particularly in rural areas, but it's still pretty bad luck if you manage to get it. It would have been better if you were on chloroquine before you went, but at least do all that you can now to keep the mosquitos off you.
I know several people who have had malaria, including my husband. Yes, it's treatable, but it is something to be taken seriously. If you develop a fever, see a doctor immediately and tell them you have been in a malaria area.
You don't get tested unless you show symptoms.
2007-01-24 15:56:41 · answer #1 · answered by EQ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rob;
Malaria, which was from Italian meaning bad air, is actually from a parasite called Plasmodium. There are 3 species and yes they can be quite deadly. Take this illness very seriously. It has killed millions of people. If you should contract this disease and survive it can cause permanent health problems. This little scourge is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito so use insect repellent and use mosquito netting at night because many types of malaria biting mosquitoes bite at night. There are anti malarial drugs that you can take to prevent getting ill and yes they are unpleasant but consider the alternative-Death. So get to a pharmacy there and take the medication. The pharmacist there will be able to help you. Don't obsess over this. First Malaria will be seen as an outbreak just one person doesn't get it, many do. So you would hear about it. Also, if you contract the illness within 24 to 36 hours you will know you have it.
2007-01-25 00:51:20 · answer #2 · answered by jpc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should'a visited your doctor before you left. You should'a been taking a prophylactic medicine all along. It's called quinine and you take a single dose every morning.
If you've contracted malaria, its your friend for life - it is incurable. Not a nice friend to have, either! However, the same quinine that could've protected you from malaria is still the best therapy available to treat the symptoms of malaria. The parasite,by the way, is called "falciparum malaria".
You can learn more by speaking to your doctor when you return; he or she can point you to further reading. Be careful of what you might learn online; most of the health advice you get there is not worth a crap and can even be dangerous!
2007-01-24 23:31:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the CDC website about travel information. Malaria is a common disease in the Domincan republic Malaria is not uniformly fatal and the are a variety of antimalarial drugs available.
It is not manditory to be check for malaria, but if you develop unexplained fever and pain you certainly should see your doctor.
2007-01-24 23:34:22 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have malaria you would have known by now ,high fever chattering teeth shaking all over
,you can have injections or pills to prevent you getting it
and if you got it ,you can get medication to treat it ,
look for malaria on the browser,there is bound to be a lot of info on it.
so now love me for life you said ,
but you lucked out, mine wont be that long any more
2007-01-24 23:33:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it is mandatory to get checked under US laws but what i do know is if you have Sicle Cell Anemia then you won't be able to get Malaria. I don't know why but you won't
2007-01-24 23:26:49 · answer #6 · answered by gatorboi19884870 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will not die because of it for sure...don't worry...we've won over the battle for many years now...a drug of quinone group will save you for sure...in the developed country...no one will die of it anymore...what sign do you need to be aware? if you have on and off fever...if you urinate black....and if you sweat followed by raised body temperature...you might need to be checked by doctor...not every mosquito will carry this plasmodium parasite...don't worry...ok....
2007-01-24 23:27:43 · answer #7 · answered by TotallyME 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋