10 November 2006

 

Malaria in Nepal

According to a media report dated 6 November 2006, the Banke district of Nepal has been affected by an outbreak of malaria [1].

The outbreak, which was initially thought to be dengue fever, has affected the ten Village Development Corporations (VDCs) of the district. Approximately 1,200 people have been diagnosed with malaria in four of the VDCs, with about half testing positive for Plasmodium falciparum species, and the remainder for P. vivax. A lack of medical facilities in the area has resulted in many patients making use of medicines prescribed by fake doctors.

  

Advice for travellers

Banke district is located in the Terai region along Nepal’s southern border with India, a known malaria endemic region. This outbreak serves as a reminder to travellers of the importance of taking preventative measures against malaria.

Travellers to the area are advised to take appropriate malaria chemoprophylaxis. The combination of proguanil and chloroquine are the drugs currently recommended by the Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention for UK Travellers (ACMP). In addition, travellers are advised to take insect bite avoidance measures.

Travellers who develop a fever or other symptoms suggestive of malaria within three or more months of visiting a risk area should seek prompt medical evaluation.

Reference

Pro-MED mail. Undiagnosed deaths - Nepal (Banke) (03): malaria confirmed. Pro-MED mail 2006; 6 November: 20061106.3189. http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:8782047

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Links

ACMP Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the United Kingdom for 2003.

http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/malaria/guidelines.ht

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