What is malaria? Malaria
is a disease caused by a parasite that infects mosquitoes. An infected
mosquito
then bites you, you get the parasite, and then 7 to 30 days later, you
get
Malaria. Malaria begins with flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, sweats,
headaches, nausea, vomiting. This may be mild and feel much like a
common cold
or flu.

Where does it exist? Go
to http://cdc-malaria.ncsa.uiuc.edu/
and use their interactive map application to compare their information
on
malaria infected regions with your trip. Keep in mind their
recommendations on what time of year malaria is present and what regions
of
that nation are or are not affected by malaria.

But I don't know if
we'll be in that region? Exactly. You need to prepare with as
much
information as possible so that as you know more information about
exactly
where you'll be, you'll know whether or not malaria will be an
issue.
Keep that
website handy and refer back to it often.

How do I prevent
malaria? You have quite a few options when it comes to
prevention.
The most
popular option is anti-malarial medication. This is usually an
antibiotic type
drug that you take on a regular schedule both before entering and after
leaving
the country. It is VERY important that you talk in depth with your
doctor about
choosing the right medication. Most of them have side effects that you
need to
be aware of and if you take other medications, you must be careful which
ones
can mix.

Will one medication
be enough? Unfortunately not. Malaria is an ever-mutating
disease
and
certain strains of malaria are resistant to certain anti-malaria
medications. The
CDC's interactive map will tell you which anti-malaria medications
work
in
which regions. We recommend you have multiple selections based on the
regions
you will visit.

What about other
methods of prevention? I'm so glad you asked. Anti-malaria
medications are
not 100% satisfaction guaranteed. They are one step in prevention. In
addition,
you need to bring repellent with you. We recommend a GOOD repellent;
Something
that seriously works. Deet tends to be the most effective (but be
careful of
the health and safety warnings). When you are in affected areas, make
that
stuff your perfume. It should be part of your wardrobe every day.
Repellent can
be expensive and/or hard to find overseas. We recommend you start with a
large
bottle and stock up as you find more.

Then there are mosquito nets. If you are in an
affected
region, you should be under a net when you sleep. Your tent will often
work as
a great mosquito net, as long as you keep it closed. You might want to
soak
your net in Permethrin as well to help keep those critters out. So, look
into a good
mosquito
net so that you are safe while you sleep.

Last there are natural attempts to ward off
mosquitos. The
most popular is garlic pills. These are safe to take every single day
and some
have said they work well. I've never tried it and it's not a CDC
approved
method. Again, talk to your doctor.

Is malaria the only
concern? Unfortunately not. Typhoid is definitely a concern.
Stomach
issues
are almost a guaranteed. Worms and parasites can become regular dinner
discussions. You need to talk to your doctor about all of these.
However, keep
in mind that 4 years of Racers have gone before you. They've faced
these
same
issues and all have survived. Compare your location to the map at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx.
This will give you a list of all diseases you should prepare for in each
region.

Uh oh!! I'm feeling
sick! Now what??! It's quite simple actually..... GO TO THE
DOCTOR!!!
There are
great doctors in Africa... even better ones in Asia... maybe the best of
the
best
in the Middle East... practically perfect in Europe! You can find a
well-educated, English-speaking, insurance accepting doctor practically
anywhere you go. Trust me, we've found many of them. They will have
experience
with diseases common to that area and can provide great treatment,
usually
EXTREMELY cheap.

The problem comes when you think "I'll just
sleep
it off."
You don't sleep off malaria or typhoid. You might feel better, but you
aren't
better. If you go to the doctor, you can get treated and be on your way.
If you
have a fever, go. If you have nausea or vomiting for more than 48 hours,
go. If
you just don't quite feel right for the past few days, go. I promise
you
it's
better to go to the doctor this week than to get sent home next week. We
expect
that each of you will hold each other accountable to staying healthy and
getting
treatment when you need it.

Now one more time, deep breath. Remember: God has
called
you. God will be with you. God called all of us and He walked with all
of us.
We are living testimonies to how God protected and provided on our Race.
He
will do the same for you. Let's plan and prepare, but not out of
fear!
Plan and
prepare in faith knowing that God has incredible plans for you and
there;s no
time to waste on being sick.