2023-07-17 08:13:11
During this school holiday period in Reunion, trips to the tropics are more frequent. Some Reunionese travel to countries in the area, where malaria still circulates. Vigilance is recommended.
Since the beginning of the year, one death and 17 cases of malaria have been diagnosed in Reunion. Imported cases, specifies the Regional Health Agency.
On average, we have about ten cases per year, imported cases. There is no native traffic on the island. Dr Patrick Mavingui, research director at the CNRS in Reunion
Dr Patrick Mavingui, research director at the CNRS in Reunion
Malaria is a deadly disease caused by the bite of a mosquito. The latter has not circulated in Reunion since 1979. Worldwide, more than 500,000 deaths are recorded per year.
In case of infection, the parasite can be detected in the blood. There is no direct transition from one infected person to another, says the scientist. Fever, vomiting, lack of appetite are among the main symptoms.
An effective vaccine against malaria has been successfully developed and tested in Africa, but is not yet accessible to everyone. For Dr. Patrick Mavingui, the vaccine should not be counted on, the most important being protection against mosquito bites.
On average, a Reunionese on them who travels to an area where malaria circulates does not take any particular precautions. If the parasite could be eradicated in Reunion, it remains present in the Indian Ocean basin, as in the Comoros or in Madagascar.
When traveling in these countries, precautions must be taken, especially during the rainy season, when mosquitoes are most numerous. Preventive treatment is recommended, as well as sleeping under a mosquito net and using repellents.
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