As ships operate in every corner of the planet, crews occasionally visit areas with increased health risks. One of the most serious is malaria, particularly in the tropical and subtropical zones of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Malaria is a dangerous but entirely preventable and treatable disease, transmitted primarily through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, usually during nighttime hours. Although it is not transmitted from person to person, the risk of infection remains elevated for crews operating in endemic areas, making awareness and vigilance essential.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of malaria typically appear 10-15 days after the bite and may initially resemble common flu. The most common symptoms include:
Any crew member displaying the above symptoms should be transported to a hospital immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of infection while at sea, adherence to the following preventive measures is recommended:
Source: UK P&I Club
