According to The Lancet medical journal, an estimated 1 238 000 people died as a result of malaria in 2010, with 90% of those deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. As the world pulls itself slowly out of the recession, the volume of global corporate travellers is expected to increase, therefore those going on business trips to malaria areas would be well-advised to take adequate precautions.

Corporate travel research undertaken by Deloitte shows that 85% of business travellers surveyed in late 2011 expected to take more or the same number of trips in 2012, with an increasing number of business trips being made to Africa.

“25th April is International Malaria Day, which is the ideal time to remind travellers that malaria remains a major health risk in many African countries and that business travellers should take the necessary precautions when travelling to these countries. Malaria is responsible for numerous lost work days, with statistics showing that every year around 30 000 South African travellers and expatriates contract the disease”, explains Dr Charl van Loggerenberg, Regional Medical Director of International SOS. “Educating and preparing your employees who travel to destinations where malaria is endemic is therefore critical to fulfilling your duty of care obligations”.

As the initial symptoms of malaria can be difficult to distinguish from a cold, flu or a wide variety of ailments, it is extremely important to notify your doctor of your travel history whenever you develop flu-like symptoms. Symptoms generally appear 10 to 14 days after the bite, but in some instances they can take up to a year to appear.

“Don’t listen to the barman, gambler, barber or any other expert that has survived malaria numerous times – these pseudo experts may cost you your life”, warns van Loggerenberg. “Nine percent of the medical assistance cases managed by International SOS South Africa last year were malaria related, so do not pay any heed to the countless myths that exist about the disease”.

One of these myths is that anti-malarial prophylaxis will mask accurate diagnosis, which is why employers need to ensure that they give their employees adequate advice and establish policies to support best-practice risk mitigation.

“There are different prophylaxis options available to travellers depending on their unique risk profile”, says van Loggerenberg, “so it is essential to consult with a travel medicine specialist who can give individualised advice”. In addition, medical experts can advise organisations on malaria policy and programme development, arrange stand-by emergency kits, provide education and training on the disease and undertake environmental surveys.

Some preventative measures to be aware of when travelling include using effective insect repellents, covering exposed skin and staying in well-screened, mosquito-free accommodation from dusk to dawn. If your room is not mosquito-proof, use an insecticide treated bed net.

Business travellers should always remember the ABCD of malaria – awareness, bite prevention, chemoprophylaxis and diagnosis. Fortunately, if the disease is managed correctly and without delay, it can usually be treated within seven days, bringing about a complete recovery.

Notes:
International SOS is the world’s leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance and concierge services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, security, and customer care solutions to organizations with international operations. A global team of over 8 000 employees led by 970 full-time physicians and 200 security specialists provides services including planning, preventative programs, in-country expertise and emergency response to 69 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies.