NEW YORK, May 30 /PR
Newswire/ -- International travelers prepare for trips to exotic
destinations by packing their luggage and making sure their passports are
in order, but according to a new national survey released today, these
travelers may be overlooking one of the most important preparations --
guarding against a serious infectious disease, such as malaria. The survey
of 500 travelers to malaria endemic regions, including Africa, South
America, Asia, Central America, and the Middle East, shows that despite
the fact that 30,000 travelers from North America and Europe contract
malaria each year, more than half (51 percent) of all travelers surveyed
were found to be "unaware" of the risks involved with their
travel destinations.
The survey, co-sponsored by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. and the
International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) and conducted by
StrategyOne, also found that 41 percent of travelers surveyed did not seek
advice concerning potential health risks or medications to reduce the risk
of disease exposure. And nearly 40 percent of respondents described
themselves as "unconcerned" about exposure to diseases, such as
malaria, diphtheria, and hepatitis. "There are risks hidden in the natural beauty of many travel
destinations. This survey highlights the need to educate international
travelers about these health risks, as well as the severity of infectious
diseases, such as malaria," said Dr. Bradley Connor of the New York
Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine. "All people planning a trip
to a tropical country must find out if there is a risk of malaria
associated with their destination, and visit a doctor with experience in
travel medicine to learn how to protect themselves." In this nationwide telephone survey, adults who had traveled
internationally to regions with high incidence of malaria were asked about
travel-related health risks and malaria exposure. It was found that while
86 percent of survey respondents considered themselves informed about
these risks, most had only a vague knowledge of malaria transmission,
effects, and treatment. The margin of error for the survey was +/-4.4 percent at the 95 percent
level of confidence. Malaria is a significant global health concern Each year, 25 to 30 million people from non-tropical regions visit
malarial areas, resulting in 30,000 cases of malaria among North Americans
and Europeans alone. Up to 7 percent of these cases can be fatal. In
addition, "airport malaria," or malaria brought to a
non-malarial region by a traveler, is increasingly being reported. Malaria is a serious infection caused by microscopic parasites and
transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Upon infection, the
parasite nests in the liver, where it breeds before rushing into the blood
to infect and destroy red blood cells as it reproduces. Malaria is
characterized by attacks of severe flu-like symptoms, fever, chills,
severe headaches, and often fatal complications. When malaria stays
in the body a long time, it can
Malaria can effectively be prevented and treated. Travelers are advised to reduce contact with mosquitoes by staying indoors at night, sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing clothing that covers most of the body, and using insect repellent. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest the use of preventative prescription medications such as mefloquine (Lariam(R)). In its Health Information for International Travel 1999-2000 (Dept. of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA) professional and consumer brochure, the CDC recommends the use of mefloquine alone for travel to the vast majority of malarial areas.
Lariam has been used since 1985 by at least 13 million travelers worldwide for the prevention and treatment of malaria. Studies have shown Lariam to be highly effective at preventing malarial infection.
"Lariam is an important travel companion and a convenient way to provide an effective measure of protection against malaria," said Dr. Gary Rhule, Medical Director, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. "Travelers should never be cavalier towards such a serious disease."
About Lariam
Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) is an orally administered prescription antimalarial agent indicated for the prevention of P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria infections, including chloroquine-resistant strains of P. falciparum. It should be taken weekly, beginning one week before travel and continued for four weeks after leaving a high-risk area. Lariam also is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate acute malaria caused by mefloquine-susceptible strains of P. falciparum (both chlorquine-susceptible and resistant strains) or by P. vivax.
The most common adverse reactions to Lariam, namely nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, are generally mild and may decrease with prolonged use. Other adverse events include loss of balance, headache, somnolence, sleep disorders (insomnia, abnormal dreams), diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, less frequently, neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular side effects.
Lariam should not be prescribed for prophylaxis in patients with active depression or with a history of psychosis or convulsions. It should not be given in combination with certain other antimalarial medications because of the risk of serious cardiovascular or convulsive events. Lariam should be discontinued if signs of acute anxiety, depression, restlessness, or confusion occur during prophylactic use. Before traveling, a patient should consult with a physician with experience in travel medicine. For complete prescribing information, please consult the 2000 Physician's Desk Reference.
About Hoffmann-La Roche, and ISTM
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche), based in Nutley, N.J., is the U.S. prescription drug unit of the Roche Group, a leading research-based health care enterprise that ranks among the world's leaders in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, vitamins, and fragrances and flavors. Roche discovers, develops, manufactures and markets numerous important prescription drugs that enhance people's health, well-being and quality of life. Among the company's areas of therapeutic interest are: virology, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C; infectious diseases, including influenza; cardiology; neurology; oncology; transplantation; dermatology; and metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes. For more information on the Roche pharmaceuticals business in the United States, visit the company's web site at: http://www.rocheusa.com/.
The International Society of Travel Medicine, with 1,200 members in 53 countries, is the largest organization of professionals dedicated to the advancement of the specialty of travel medicine. The ISTM is committed to the promotion of healthy and safe travel. In cooperation with national and international health care providers, academic centers, the travel industry and the media, ISTM advocates and facilitates education, service, and research activities in the field of travel medicine. This includes: preventive and curative medicine within many specialties such as tropical medicine, infectious diseases, high altitude physiology, travel related obstetrics, psychiatry, occupational health, military and migration medicine, and environmental health.
SOURCE: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
WEB SITE: http://www.rocheusa.com/
CO: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.; International Society of Travel Medicine
ST: New York
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