Sao Tome - Malaria risk
Malaria Risk in São Tomé
Q: Is malaria a concern in São Tomé and Príncipe?
A: Yes, São Tomé and Príncipe is considered a malarial country. Travelers face a risk of infection.
Q: What is the level of malaria risk in the country?
A: There is a risk of malaria throughout the country year-round, including in urban areas.
Q: What type of malaria is prevalent in São Tomé and Príncipe?
A: The predominant malaria parasite is Plasmodium falciparum, responsible for severe cases of malaria, which accounts for 85% of infections.
Q: What preventive medications are recommended?
A: It is recommended to take prophylactic medication such as Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone®) or, as a cost-effective alternative, Mefloquine (e.g., Lariam®). Doxycycline is also an option, as it is recommended by the WHO and has been used successfully worldwide, although it is not officially approved for malaria prophylaxis in Germany.
Q: How should travelers decide on malaria prevention medication?
A: The specific choice of anti-malaria medication, its individual adjustment, and considerations regarding side effects or interactions with other medications should be discussed with a travel medicine specialist prior to travel.
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What preventive measures can I take during my trip to avoid bug bites?
By following these guidelines and combining methods—chemical repellents, physical barriers like nets, and appropriate clothing—you can significantly reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases, helping you to enjoy your tropical travels with greater peace of mind.
Insect Repellent:
1. Choose Effectively: Select an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. These ingredients are proven to be effective at deterring mosquito bites.
2. Application: Apply repellent generously on all exposed skin, following the product instructions. Be mindful of re-application after swimming, sweating, or after a certain number of hours as directed by the repellent's label.
3. Sunscreen and Repellent: If you're using sunscreen, apply it first, let it dry, and then apply insect repellent.
4. Day and Night: In tropical climates, mosquitoes that carry diseases can be active both day and night, so protection is necessary at all times.
Mosquito Nets:
1. Sleep Securely: Use a mosquito net over your bed at night, especially if you're sleeping in a room that isn't sealed or air-conditioned.
2. Check for Quality of the Net: Ensure that the netting is intact, without holes, and that it is fine-meshed enough to prevent mosquitoes from passing through.
3. Impregnated Nets: Consider using nets treated with insecticide for added protection. Make sure that the treatment is up-to-date as it wears off over time.
4. Tuck It In: Always tuck your mosquito net under your mattress, sleeping mat, or bed to ensure no mosquitoes can get inside.
Additional Tips:
Clothing Choices: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly during peak mosquito activity hours, which are typically dusk and dawn.
Standing Water: Avoid areas with standing water where mosquitoes are likely to breed.
Plug-in Repellents: You can Use plug-in mosquito repellent devices indoors to keep areas bite-free.
Remember to ensure that your accommodations have adequate protective measures in place, such as window screens and air-conditioning, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of insect bites.
Fishermen in Sao Tome
What happens if a mosquito bites you and how is the bite treated?
Q: How does a mosquito bite work?
A: When a mosquito bites, it uses its specialized mouthpart called a proboscis to pierce the skin and extract blood. During this process, it injects saliva into the skin, which triggers the body's reaction, leading to swelling and itching.
Q: How do people typically react to mosquito bites?
A: Reactions to mosquito bites can vary. Some individuals may experience only mild effects, such as slight swelling and itching, while others may have more severe reactions, including significant swelling, redness, and pain.
Q: Who is most at risk for severe reactions to mosquito bites?
A: Severe reactions can particularly affect children, adults who have not been previously exposed to certain mosquito species, or individuals with immune system disorders. Such reactions may include large swellings, low-grade fever, hives, and swollen lymph nodes.
Q: What complications can arise from mosquito bites?
A: Complications can develop if the bite becomes infected, which may be indicated by increased redness, warmth, or spreading red streaks. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention.
Q: What diseases can mosquitoes transmit?
A: Mosquitoes can transmit several diseases, including West Nile virus, dengue, Zika, and malaria. Not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will become ill right away, but it is essential to monitor symptoms and seek medical treatment if they worsen.
Travel Advice & Individual Tours in São Tomé and Príncipe
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