MALARIA RESISTANCE ­– PREVENTION IS KEY

When travelling to a foreign country you face many risks. There is the risk of losing your passport, having your belongings stolen, or even your plane falling out of the sky.

However, there’s one big risk travellers don’t often take into consideration – mosquitos.

Mosquitoes exist in every climate from the tropics to the arctic. They are known to carry a number of deadly diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis.

Overtime increased malaria prevention and control methods have seen mortality rates fall 29% globally since 2010 (World Health Organisation). Recent findings show that this could be all about to change.

Scientists at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine report that there have recently been four cases in the UK where the usual cocktail of drugs was unsuccessful in treating patients with malaria.

Scientists have long been aware of the resistance with the WHO releasing a report in 2014 that showed that to date parasite resistance to antimalarials has been documented in three of the five malaria species known to affect humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. malariae.

Preventative methods such as antimalarial tablets, repellents and appropriate clothing are all great ways to protect yourself. But why not go one step further?

HealthGuard® Premium Protection can be sprayed on hiking gear, clothing and backpacks prior to travel to create a durable barrier against the blood-sucking pests. All HealthGuard® anti-mosquito treatments are specifically tested on the Aedes Argypti mosquito, a known carrier of zika, dengue and yellow Fever.

Treated garments have been independently tested by leading universities and hospitals to reduce mosquito blood feeding by 98.9% – a great sales point for adventure wear retailers and bulk producers alike.

Rain, hail or shine these garments will provide up to 85% efficient protection, even after several cleans.

When travelling to high-risk countries HealthGuard® Premium Protection treated garments should be essential for travellers. Because when going overseas the only thing they should be coming home with is good memories.