A Letter to International Students from Malaria-Endemic Regions in Africa and Southeast Asia

Dear International Student Friends,

Greetings!

We warmly welcome you to China, where you embark on this enriching academic journey filled with challenges and opportunities. As you immerse yourselves in Chinese culture and educational resources, we would like to draw your special attention to a contagious disease that is prevalent in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia – malaria. This letter aims to safeguard your health and safety and we hope it will be of assistance to you.

I. Overview of Malaria

Malaria， is an infectious disease caused by parasites called plasmodium that infect the human body. These parasites are primarily transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes but can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or from mother to child during pregnancy. Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, South America, and Pacific Island nations are among the regions with high malaria endemicity.

II. Symptoms of Malaria

The typical symptoms of malaria include periodic chills, fever, sweating, and general weakness. Different species of plasmodium can manifest different symptoms, with falciparum malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, being the most dangerous. If left untreated, it can progress to severe cases marked by altered consciousness or coma, accompanied by complications such as brain damage, severe liver and kidney damage, pulmonary edema, gastrointestinal damage, shock, hemolysis, anemia, abnormal bleeding, hypoglycemia, acidosis, and potentially life-threatening conditions. Additionally, some malaria patients may experience palpitations, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which are sometimes misdiagnosed as common cold or gastrointestinal discomfort.

III. Medical Guidance

Upon your arrival in China from malaria-endemic regions, we advise you to closely monitor your health status. Should you experience symptoms such as chills, fever, or sweating, promptly seek medical attention at a reputable hospital. The Kaifeng Infectious Disease Hospital (Address: No. 2, Tietaxi Street, Longting District, Kaifeng City; Tel: 0371-22876251) and Henan Provincial Infectious Disease Hospital (Address: No. 29, Jingguang South Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou City; Tel: 0371-60331627) are designated malaria treatment centers. When seeking medical help, please inform the doctor of your travel history to malaria-endemic regions and any potential exposure to malaria, to facilitate prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Once diagnosed with malaria, follow your doctor's instructions to complete the full course of antimalarial medication in the prescribed dosage to ensure effective treatment and prevent recurrence.

IV. Preventive Measures

If you return to your home country from China, please take the following preventive measures to avoid malaria infection:

Mosquito Bite Prevention: As malaria is primarily transmitted by mosquito bites, preventing mosquito bites is crucial. During peak mosquito seasons, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, use insect repellents, and sleep under mosquito nets.

Environmental Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and dry living environment to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Regularly clear trash, weeds, and stagnant water, and spray insecticides in your room and surroundings.

Lastly, we wish you all the best in your studies and life in China. We also urge you to prioritize your health and safety. By adopting these preventive measures and seeking prompt medical attention when needed, we can collectively reduce the risk of malaria and safeguard your well-being.