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Malaria prophylaxis and self-therapy in airline crews
R Steffen1, F Holdener, R Wyss
1Division of Epidemiology and Prevention of Communicable Diseases, The University, Zurich, Switzerland.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Airline crews face a malaria risk of 0.5 per 1,000 person-nights in high-transmission zones. Long-term chemoprophylaxis is not advised; instead, focus on mosquito bite prevention and carrying standby malaria medication.
Area of Science:
- Travel Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Aviation Health
Background:
- Airline crews travel to diverse regions, potentially exposing them to infectious diseases like malaria.
- High malaria transmission areas pose a significant risk to crew members during layovers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the malaria infection risk for airline crews.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for malaria prevention in this population.
Main Methods:
- Risk assessment based on transmission levels in common layover areas.
- Review of current chemoprophylaxis guidelines and their limitations.
Main Results:
- Estimated malaria risk is 0.5 per 1,000 persons per night in high-risk areas.
- Routine long-term chemoprophylaxis is not recommended due to potential side effects.
Conclusions:
- Airline crews should prioritize mosquito bite prevention measures.
- Carrying standby medication for presumptive treatment is advised when medical care is inaccessible.