What You Need to Know about Malaria in Thailand
Dealing with rainy seasons (June to October) in Thailand could be tricky due to malaria. In this Pacific Prime Thailand article, we will provide a brief overview of malaria. You can expect to learn its epidemiology, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods.
Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In Thailand, urban areas are generally risk-free, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, etc; whereas endemic areas are typically the hilly or forested rural areas, especially Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Cambodia border.
The ‘Land of Smiles’ does have some hard-to-resist vibe and culture that are sure to blow your mind. But, make sure you are aware of the disease before immersing yourself in joy and laughter.
Malaria
Malaria has been affecting the globe for centuries. Unfortunately, Thailand is classified as one of the malaria countries. In this quick introduction, you can learn the basics about the disease, from causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. And of utmost importance, prevention is key.
Epidemiology
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Until today, 4 types of Plasmodium species are known to harm humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. Among them, P. falciparum is the deadliest, which can cause severe anemia and end-organ damage.
The existence of Malaria mainly depends on climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Since mosquitoes lay eggs on the surface of water containing heavy vegetation, it is one of the diseases most commonly spread during wet seasons in Thailand.
Risk Groups
Anyone can get malaria. Most cases occur in people who live in countries with malaria transmission. People from countries with no malaria can become infected when they travel to countries with malaria. Hence, regular check-ups are required when residing in places with reported malaria cases.
Malaria is a burden in some nations without a fully-developed medical system. It disproportionately affects children under 5 and those residing in rural areas where access to medical treatments is limited. Therefore, sub-urban/ rural areas in Thailand are susceptible to malaria.
Transmission
Malaria is transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes. When mosquitoes bite any malaria patient, they become infected and will pass on the disease when biting another person. Malaria is not contagious, meaning causal contact with malaria-infected people is safe.
However, Plasmodium parasites are found in the red blood cells of an infected person. This signifies that malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplant, or the shared use of needles or syringes contaminated with blood.
Symptoms
Depending on the malaria strain infected, the latent period varies from 9 days to over 1 year. Typical medical manifestations include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Sweats
- Chills
In more severe cases, it can cause:
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
A classic symptom of malaria is paroxysm, a cyclical occurrence of sudden coldness followed by shivering and then fever and sweating. Hence, the disease can also be observed through patterned fluctuations in body temperature. Depending on the malaria strain, the periodicity varies between 36 hours to 3 days.
Without proper treatment, the debilitating cycle can continue for years. Therefore, approaching trusted medical professionals is key to curing malaria in Thailand. Reaching out to ever-saturated public medical services as an expat is not easy, so read on! We have a solution for you.
Diagnosis
The gold standard of diagnosis for malaria is a microscopic examination of blood. It provides 3 valuable pieces of information: the presence of malaria, malaria species, and the percentage of red blood cells infected. These are key information in planning an appropriate treatment.
There are also various test kits available to detect antigens derived from malaria parasites. These Rapid Diagnostic Tests offer a reliable source of testing where microscopy is not possible. If tested positive, reach out for medical treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for malaria treatment. Doctors usually prescribe a course of anti-malarial drugs. It should be completed to ensure clearance of the malaria parasite and mitigate the possibility of relapses.
The disease can continue if treated with the wrong drug. Species in some areas might already have developed drug resistance, thus the type of drugs and length of treatment are dependent on factors such as the type of malaria, patients’ health status, age, etc.
Safety & Prevention
There are two directions for prevention. One is the prevention of mosquito bites and the other is the prevention of mosquito proliferation.
Prevention of Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are proactive from dusk to dawn. One should be actively practicing preventive measures indoors and outdoors to drive them away from you.
- Wear loose, light-colored, long-sleeved tops and trousers
- Use insect repellent containing DEET (30%) on exposed body parts
- Avoid using fragrances outdoors
- Re-apply insect repellents whenever necessary (once every 2-3 hours)
- Use bed nets or screens with insecticide sprayed on while sleeping
Prevention of Mosquito Proliferation
To create a mosquito-free area, you should pay attention to environmental hygiene. Make sure your surroundings are not desirable for their breeding.
- Prevent accumulation of stagnant water
- Store food and dispose of garbage properly
Having that said, expats should also arrange a consultation with a doctor before going to and in Thailand for preventive measures and obtain anti-malarial drugs if necessary.
Conclusion
Effectiveness and communication are key when it comes to treating malaria in Thailand. Private healthcare has English-speaking staff and significantly lower waiting times compared with public healthcare. Opting for private healthcare is not cheap, but is made affordable with expat health insurance.
Reach out to an experienced, expat-focused broker like Pacific Prime Thailand to help you find the plan compatible with your needs and budget, and support you throughout your insurance journey. Contact us to get an obligation-free quote, or a comprehensive plan comparison today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I worry about malaria in Thailand?
There are little to no risks in major tourist areas such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui. But for hilly or forested areas, there are reported cases of malaria. However, extra attention should be paid to other endemic diseases in Thailand as well.
Can I get malaria in Thailand?
Yes as Thailand is a malaria region according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although usually hilly areas are affected, you should also be aware of the hygiene of hospital tools as malaria could be transmitted through blood.
What if I get infected with malaria?
Malaria is a risk in rural Thailand. If infected with malaria, medical treatment is required as soon as possible. It is advised to consult your medical professional before going to risky areas for malaria prescription to secure your safety.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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