Malaria is present in several countries across the world and caused by a parasite that infects a certain types of mosquito that bites humans.

It is a serious infection that can be fatal.

Every year, 2,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States, usually in travelers returning to the country.

The greatest risk of Malaria is for people traveling to sub-saharan Africa though all travelers to countries that have malaria could be infected.

Symptoms of malaria can include the following:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sweats
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Body aches
• General malaise
• Elevated temperature
• Perspiration
• Enlarged spleen
• Mild jaundice
• Enlargement of the liver
• Increased respiratory rate

Risks for malaria vary based on circumstances, which you can read more about here:
www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/risk_assessment.html

Ways to prevent mosquito bites:

• Insect repellent
• Wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts
• Cover children's strollers with netting
• Use screens on windows and doors
• Sleep under a mosquito net
• Empty, scrub, clean, throw away items that hold water and could potentially be a place where mosquitos lay eggs (tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flower pots, trash containers, etc.

There is also medication available for travelers to prevent malaria. Call your healthcare provider or a travel clinic for more information.

For more information on mosquito bite prevention, click the link below:
​www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/prevent-mosquito-bites.html

Click the link below for additional information on malaria:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/malaria/index.html

You can also call us with any questions at 215-722-2022

Yellow fever is found in Africa and South America and is caused by mosquito bites.

​Ways to prevent yellow fever:

• Use insect repellent
• Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants
• Get vaccinated

Initial symptoms:

• Fever/chills
• Headache
• Back pain/body ache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

Severe symptoms:

• High fever
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Bleeding
• Shock
• Organ failure

Treatments:

• Rest
• Drinking fluids
• Pain relievers (certain medications should be avoided; more information is in the link below)
• Hospitalization

Click the links below for more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/index.html

Our website also has extensive information on yellow fever:
​https://www.philadelphiapediatrics.org/yellow-fevertravel-vaccines.html

You can also call us for more information at 215-722-2022