Insect bites and malaria

Question 1

Which areas are higher risk of malaria

Answer 1

Africa (south of the Sahara)
South Asia
Middle East
Central and South America

Question 2

How to avoid malaria

Answer 2

Take antimalarial tablet
Use insect repellant containing at least 50% DEET
Sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticide
Keep skin covered in evening

Question 3

Symptoms of malaria

Answer 3

Fever
Sweats and chills
Headache
Confusion
Fatigue
Appetite loss
Nausea, cramps, and diarrhoea
Muscle ache
Jaundice
Cough and sore throat

Question 4

How long do malaria symptoms take to occur?

Answer 4

Between 7 and 18 days after infection, although it can take up to a few months. Make patients aware of this - if they develop symptoms upto a year later go straight to GP.

Question 5

Malaria treatment options

Answer 5

Prescription:
Atovaquone/proguanil
Chloroquine
Doxycycline
Mefloquine

OTC:
Chloroquine
Atovaquone/proguanil (Maloff protect)

Question 6

Anti-malarials advice

Answer 6

Take a few days/weeks before (depending on product), throughout trip, and for a few weeks after.

Question 7

Who is higher risk of malaria?

Answer 7

Pregnant
Children
>65
Immunocompromised
No spleen

Question 8

How to prevent tick bites

Answer 8

Keep to foot paths
Avoid long grass when walking
Wear long sleevs/trousers
Tuck trousers into socks
Use insect repellant
Wear light coloured clothes (easier to spot ticks)
Check for ticks after.

Question 9

How to remove tick

Answer 9

1. Use fine tipped tweezers or tick removal tool
2. Grasp tick as close to skin as possible NOT at the end.
3. Pull outwards, trying not to squeeze the tick too hard.
4. Dispose of tick once removed.
5. Check the head or mouth is not still stuck in skin.
6. Clean bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

Question 10

What are symptoms of lyme disease?

Answer 10

A circular/oval red “bullseye” rash around tick bite which appears 1-4 weeks after, or up to 3 months. Not usually hot or itchy.
Systemic symptoms:
Fever
Shivers
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle/joint pain

Question 11

How should you remove a bee/wasp stinger?

Answer 11

Scrape the stinger sideways with fingernail or edge of bank card.
Don’t use tweezers as you can squeeze poison out of it.

Question 12

Insect bites OTC treatment

Answer 12

Oral antihistamines
Topical antihistamine creams
Hydrocortisone cream