Have You Been Bitten in Brazil?

HAVE YOU BEEN BITEN IN BRAZIL? Some nasty bites grab all the headlines. If you are travelling to Brazil always take measures to avoid putting your health at risk. If you thought a footballer's bite was scary, watch out for the mosquito. A bite from an infected mosquito can pass on Malaria, a potentially fatal disease. BITE-SIZE MALARIA FACTS Most common in hot and Half the World's population - 3.4 billion people - are at risk of humid climates Malaria Travellers are at risk in 97 countries around the world Children, pregnant women and those with weakened High-risk areas include large parts of South America, Africa, immune systems Asia and the Middle East are most vulnerable HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Cover up, use a Check if you are travelling to a Malaria area mosquito net and insect repellent to avoid bites Seek immediate medical advice Take Malaria tablets for symptoms up to 1 year after travelling if recommended RECOGNISE THE SYMPTOMS Sweats Vomiting Muscle pains Diarrhoea Fever/high temperature Headaches & chills SEEKING MEDICAL HELP Symptoms can occur during or after travel Malaria worsens very quickly - requires speedy diagnosis and treatment il A blood test will confirm the diagnosis Antimalarial medicines can treat as well as prevent Quick diagnosis can lead to a full recovery THE LAST WORD ON MALARIA Dr Nigel Modern, Medical Director of HealthExpress says: "Some areas of Brazil have a high Malaria risk and you should talk to your doctor before travelling" healthexpress.co.uk Healthcare you can depend on... Sources: NHs, World Health Organisation, HealthExpress