European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - February 27, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Female Anopheles Mosquito transmits malaria by passing it on As it pierces Shin with Long proboscis. A physic an ill  company a Malnaa Samp Fet of half an a drug Davat Spadin conjunction wifi Che . Waltar fled Amy int Tutta for a Anarch that Agama to Hotop Romala Tot fighting malaria. Malaria risk persists by Janet d Agostino medical writer Maria Sheryln and her husband knew that malaria Enisley in Africa when she planned a december vacation trip to Kenya. Bui they did not realize How serious the risk would be. Especially or a pregnant woman. Maria a teacher at the american elementary Schoot m Darmstadt. West Germany was about four months pregnant when she went to Kenya. A German physician had advised Maria not to take any anti malarial medication because it could be harmful to her unborn child said her husband Richard Sherry a weak alter returning from the two week trip in december Maria began having lever and Llu like symptoms the Hallmarks of malaria Are lever chills and headache she was diagnosed As having plasmodium Falc Parum a the most dangerous form of the disease a at the Frankfurt army regional medical Center on Jan s she died two Days later. Looking Back at the tragedy Richard Sherin Sard the Lull risks of travelling to a malaria prone country a especially for a pregnant woman a were never explained to them. We made an error in judgment Quot Sherin said irom the United states where he is now living. Quot nobody warned us about  for people living in industrialized countries the danger of Catarra May seem As Remote As the danger of developing cholera or yellow lever. But in Many thud world countries malaria and other diseases Are still major health problems. Malaria usually spread by mosquitoes strikes an estimated 100 million people each year and kills 500.000 to 1 million mostly children according to National geographic news service. The Light against malaria has been slowed because mosquitoes have developed a resistance to some insecticides and some malaria parasites have become resistant to certain drugs. Little Progress has been made against tha disease in the last 15 years people travelling to developing countries need to be aware of the risks involved and the precautions they must take to protect themselves before hey arrive in the country and while they Are there said col Michael Benenson. A physician and preventive Medicine consultant for 7th medical come in Heidelberg West Germany. Anyone travelling to third world countries should talk to a health care professional Well before the departure Date. They should know where they will be travelling in the country what the season will be and what activity they Wilt undertake he said. The diseases prevalent in a country vary depending on factors such As weather and geography and will determine what precautions Are required. For example malaria May be a problem during one season but not another or it May be prevalent in one area of the country but rare elsewhere. There is no risk of malaria in Nairobi which is in a High Altitude area of Kenya because malaria parasites cannot survive in the Cool temperatures. But malaria does exist in other parts of Kenya including chloroquine resistant malaria. Other diseases common in developing countries include polio rabies typhoid and hepatitis. More exotic sounding diseases include leishmaniasis a parasite borne disease transmitted by sandflies trypanosomiasis african sleeping sickness schistosomiasis and the Henho tragic fevers. In the last several years there has been an outbreak of Beningo Coucal meningitis running in a Belt across North Central Africa requiring that travellers som Timss receive immunization against the bacteria Benenson said. There Are very affective immunizations against some diseases such As yellow fever. Other immunizations such As those for typhoid Are less effective. There is no Protection at All for other diseases such As Dong a a a viral disease also transmitted by mosquitoes some immunizations Are Given in a series Over a period of weeks or months requiring the traveler to ask about immunizations weft in Advance of the departure Date. The most common drug used to protect against malaria is choir Equine usually taken in Tablet form. But amp Sun Etnia the drug is generally taken once a week for two weeks before arriving in the country to is taken during the length of the visit and then Lor six to eight weeks after returning Home. In addition 1o being immunized and taking medication travellers can protect themselves irom malaria through simple precautions Benenson Sard. Mosquito netting should be used faithfully to protect against the insects which usually Bedel night. Insect repel land should be worn Day and night. Boots and clothing that cover the arms and legs should be warn it travelling in Rural areas to protect against insects. People should avoid swimming because the parasite causing schistosomiasis another disease common in Africa lives in fresh water. Animals even pets should be avoided because of the risk of rabies. People can help avoid diarrhoeal diseases by being careful about what they eat or drink. Quot eating in Noodle shops or irom carts in the streets la More dangerous than eating in a hotel restaurant Quot Benenson said. Travellers to these countries should be prepared to protect themselves irom an environment they Are not accustomed to sunscreen hats and sunglasses can prevent sunburn while a kerchief to cover the face will protect against dust. Travellers to Africa also need to be aware that aids is tar More prevalent and transmitted Al a much higher rate among heterosexuals than in the United states or Europe. Benenson said blood supplies for transfusion Are much less Safe than in the United states something a traveler should be aware of if seriously Hurt in an Accident. The array of health risks in the third world May sound intimidating. But by taking the necessary precautions a trip in Tho a countries can Atill be enjoyable and relatively worry free Benenson said. If health problems do Ariae consult a doctor or Call the american consulate for assistance. Page 16 the stars and stripes tuesday february 27,1990