Brush your teeth with bottled water and make sure water does not enter your mouth when taking showers. If severe diarrhea continues for more than 72 hours, examination by a physician is in order. Insects and Sex Malaria is common throughout the tropical world. Malaria prevention, with either chloroquine or mefloquine, must begin two weeks before departure and continue until four weeks after return. Despite prophylaxis, certain forms of malaria can occur weeks to months after leaving a malaria-infested area.
Fever is the prominent symptom, and a simple blood test determines the diagnosis.
Numerous other infections also are spread by mosquitoes, as well as by sandflies, ticks and fleas. Preventing insect bites is essential. Apply insecticides containing permethrin to your clothing and netting, and repellents containing DEET to your skin. Repellents last only up to four hours and need renewal after swimming. Long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks provide further barriers against bites.