Today we are talking about a topic that worries (or should worry) every traveler planning to go Thailand. Malaria is a truly nasty disease, although of course there are worse ones. But believe me, it is better to be fully armed with knowledge than to regret your ignorance later.
Malaria and its relevance in Thailand
Malaria in Thailand – This is not just a line in a medical encyclopedia. It is a serious tropical disease that is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Do you know what is the most insidious? Symptoms may not appear immediately, and a week or two after the fact of infection. That is why it is important to know not only about the symptoms, but also about the methods of preventing malaria in Thailand.
Picture this: Every year, more than 40 million tourists come to Thailand for their dose of exoticism and adventure. And although the main tourist destinations are considered safe from malaria, risks still exist in certain regions of the country. This is especially true for lovers of untouched nature and authentic places away from popular routes.
I will tell you as a person who traveled around Thailand quite seriously: despite all the beauty of this country, you need to remember about your health. Unfortunately, I have seen how tourists, having waved their hand at elementary precautions, instead of enjoying a juicy mango on the shore of the Andaman Sea, looked for a clinic to consult a doctor.
Let's figure out how to make your trip to Thailand safe and unforgettable, preserving only pleasant memories of the trip. After all, forewarned is forearmed...
Is there an increase in malaria cases in 2024?
First, about how things are with malaria in thailand in recent years. According to the local Ministry of Health, the situation in 2024 is generally stable and positive, but still has some unexpected surprises. However, judge for yourself...
Statistics of infection cases
Malaria statistics in Thailand show an interesting picture. In popular tourist destinations – Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya – there are practically no cases of infection. But in border areas, especially in the north of the country risk of malaria still exists.
Somehow I found some interesting information about northern border of Thailand. A group of researchers monitoring the situation shared some interesting information: despite the overall decline in cases over the past decades, some areas are experiencing unusual spikes in cases, especially during the rainy season in Thailand.
Comparison with previous years
When you look at the raw numbers, the picture becomes clearer. Compared to the previous decade, malaria incidence rates decreased by almost 80%. This is a real breakthrough in the fight against malaria, achieved thanks to the efforts of the Thai government with the assistance of international organizations. But it should be taken into account that here we are talking about a comparison of data between 2000 and 2020 years.
Furthermore, especially from 2022 onwards, the situation can be called a "statistical mess". You can look for the data yourself and you will be surprised. Various reputable sources provide absolutely incomparable information. And the difference in the figures for 2022 is no less than almost 4,000 cases! In 2023, the threefold increase in incidence predicted a year earlier has officially "disappeared" from the statistics somewhere.
In any case, in 2022-2023 there will be significant increase in morbidity and this is a fact that Thai health officials cannot influence.
The main reasons for the increase in morbidity:
- Influx of refugees from Myanmar
- Uncontrolled migration
- Development of resistant strains
- The problem of counterfeit drugs
Officially recorded in 2023 small stature cases in certain regions, especially where tourist routes intersect with geographically stable malaria zones. 90% of illnesses among tourists are associated with visiting remote areas. Well, in total in the country in 2023, again officially registered just over 2500 cases diseases.
Geography of malaria distribution in Thailand
I think it wouldn't hurt to look at the map. malaria zones of thailand, which will help you navigate the terrain, so to speak. Believe me, knowing where there is a real risk and where you can calmly enjoy your vacation is priceless.
The most unfavorable regions
You know what's interesting, although it makes perfect sense? Malaria outbreaks in Thailand are extremely distributed unevenly. I remember my first trip to the northern regions - the locals immediately warned me about the need for special caution. And they were one hundred percent right.
The main areas of malaria risk are concentrated:
- Border areas with Myanmar – especially Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces
- Interior areas along the border with Cambodia and Laos
- Parts of the jungle in southern Thailand on the border with Malaysia
Terrain features and risks for tourists
And now the most important thing - about safe zones of thailand. I hasten to please: all the main tourist destinations have long been recognized as territories with low or no risk. This concerns:
- Capitals of the Kingdom of Bangkok
- Bustling sunny Pattaya
- Island Paradise Phuket
- The cultural capital of Chiang Mai (the city itself, but not the surrounding jungle!)
- Resort Hua Hin
However, if you sometimes prefer to visit and non-tourist places in thailand, perhaps you are planning to go deeper into the province, then you should be on your guard. This is especially true rainy season, when the activity of malarial mosquitoes increases.
Symptoms and diagnosis of malaria
It's time to talk about how to recognize symptoms of malaria and not miss the first warning signs. During my travels around Thailand, I had the opportunity to talk to both doctors and local residents, collecting important information about what to pay special attention to.
Signs of the disease
Do you know what the most insidious thing is? malaria in tourists? The first symptoms can easily be confused with a common cold or acclimatization. I remember a situation with one casual acquaintance who attributed his malaise to fatigue after a long flight, but it turned out to be much more serious.
What are the main symptoms of malaria:
- Characteristic attacks of fever with sharp jumps in temperature
- Severe chills followed by profuse sweating
- Debilitating headache and muscle aches
- Unexplained weakness and constant fatigue
- Nausea and loss of appetite
How to recognize malaria in the early stages
The most important thing is diagnostics of malaria - it is timeliness. Among doctors, one not entirely scientific, but absolutely practical rule of "three P" is widespread on this account.
The true rule of three "P's":
- Periodicity – pay attention to the cyclical nature of symptoms
- Sweating - after chills comes profuse sweating
- Previous travel to risk areas
The first signs of malaria usually appear on average 7-14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito (sometimes later, sometimes earlier - it all depends on the type of malaria and the human body). But what is simply disgusting is that in some cases the disease can "sleep" in the body for several months!
If you notice any suspicious symptoms, especially after visiting risky areas of Thailand, do not waste time on self-diagnosis. Contact a doctor immediately and be sure to mention your recent trip - this will help to make the correct diagnosis faster.
Malaria Prevention: What Tourists Need to Know
Now, probably the most important question is how to protect yourself from malaria while traveling in Thailand. We are not the first, and we will not be the last. Over decades of traveling to Thailand, our tourists have developed a whole system of preventive measures, which I will be happy to share with you.
To begin with, the standard recommendations for tourists from Rospotrebnadzor, which, due to their familiarity, have not become any less relevant.
Recommendations for protection against mosquito bites
Next, I will note one obvious fact. Many tourists underestimate the importance of simple protective measures. But they often become decisive! I will not forget my first trekking in the jungles of northern Thailand - a local guide taught me several invaluable methods of protection against malaria mosquitoes.
Measures to protect against mosquito bites:
- Choose light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants (for some reason mosquitoes prefer dark colors)
- Use quality repellents with DEET, with a concentration of at least 30%
- Check into rooms with air conditioning or at least mosquito nets
- At night, turn on insecticidal devices against mosquitoes (fumigators)
- Avoid walking at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Use of antimalarial drugs
A separate story is this drug prophylaxis of malaria. I have some important recommendations for you here.
Pre-trip consultation and selection of medications:
- Be sure to visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before traveling.
- Discuss the need for preventative medications
- Check for possible contraindications
- Not all antimalarial drugs are equally effective in Thailand
- Good old delagyl (chloroquine) has not worked against local strains for a long time
- Modern drugs are selected individually
I won’t write anything vague, just the name – mefloquine (lariam). BUT! The need for taking, dosage, frequency and duration is determined only by a doctor! When I first planned a trip to remote areas, an experienced doctor advised me to start taking the medications two weeks before departure and finish taking them three weeks after arrival. The main thing is not to interrupt the course ahead of time.
In short, malaria prevention in Thailand is not paranoia, but a reasonable precaution. After all, our goal is to enjoy the trip, not to be treated in local hospitals…
Malaria Treatment in Thailand
Now about the unpleasant, but theoretically possible, about what to do if you do encounter malaria while traveling. During my trips to the Kingdom, I have collected some information about medical care in Thailand, and today I will share with you the most important thing.
Do you know what has always impressed me about Thailand? The level of development of local medicine! Malaria Treatment in Thailand organized at a high level, especially in large cities.
Tips for Seeing a Doctor
And now the most important thing is how to act and what to do.
If symptoms of malaria appear:
- Don't self-medicate - the golden rule
- Contact your nearest medical center
- Please report recent travel to risk areas
- Show your insurance policy
Simple advice: always keep the contacts of the nearest clinics in your phone. For many, but not me, fortunately, this has saved precious time when it was necessary to urgently take loved ones to the doctor.
In any case, timely visit to the doctor and the right treatment are the keys to success in the fight against malaria. Do not hesitate to ask questions and demand that all information be translated into a language you understand - this is your right as a patient.
Medical insurance for travelers
The last, but absolutely important point for everyone who is going to Thailand follows logically from the previous one. During my travels I had the opportunity to see that health insurance – this is not just a formality, but our super shield from unforeseen situations.
I recall an incident in peaceful “non-malaria Phuket”. A Japanese woman, making a routine parachute flight over the sea, landed not quite successfully. To be honest, the parachute collapsed at a high altitude. Then a blow, unconsciousness, an ambulance and a stretcher… You can read more about this in the article "Why is parachuting over the sea dangerous...". I feel sorry for the girl, I hope she's okay. However, the thought involuntarily popped into my head: does her insurance cover parachute flights?
So, an insurance policy in Thailand is necessary because:
- Private clinics require prepayment for treatment
- The cost of medical services can be very high.
- Evacuation in severe cases costs a fortune
- Public hospitals do not always meet the usual standards
What should be included in the policy?
Now let's talk about what really should be included in the insurance policy. But first I will give one fact: many tourists do not read the insurance conditions, and in vain. At least that case with the Japanese woman. Are you aware that, for example, not a single cool policy from "T-Bank Insurance" insures such cases?
Quote: Some particularly dangerous sports are not covered by any insurance, such as diving, caving, trekking at altitudes over 3,000 meters, mountaineering, parachute and paragliding flights. [source: www.tbank.ru/insurance/blog/summer-activities/]
But when it comes to malaria, the basic coverage must include expenses for treatment of tropical diseases, emergency hospitalization and medical evacuation. At the same time, the minimum insured amount should not be less than thirty thousand dollars - and this is not an exaggeration.
Well chosen health insurance – this is your ticket to a calm and safe vacation. After all, it’s better to have insurance and not use it than the other way around, right?
What can I say in conclusion… Thailand is an amazing country that is worth every minute of preparation for the trip. All these precautions should not scare anyone - on the contrary, they will help to enjoy the holiday without unnecessary worries.
Take care of yourself, travel wisely, and may your adventures in the Land of Smiles be filled with only pleasant impressions!
