Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
22 April 2013 09:30
Men are more likely to contract malaria in countries where the overall levels of the disease are falling, research has shown
Scientists have said new measures are needed to tackle malaria in countries that have seen levels of the disease fall. A study has found in places such as Malaysia and Bhutan there are areas where the infection remains, especially among men living or working outdoors.
Researchers writing in the Lancet said results show measures such as nets, which help in homes, are ineffective. They highlight that treated clothing or hammocks might be a better alternative. The findings differ to places with high levels of malaria, with women and young children mostly affected in those areas.
The results show in countries where malaria levels are reducing, men who either work in plantations and forests, or sleep in fields overnight are more likely to be infected. The researchers recommend different malaria measures are needed alongside traditional prevention work to turn this around.
The findings might be a timely reminder for people to make sure they take out every possible precaution over malaria, including medical travel insurance to provide peace of mind over any required treatment.
Prof Sir Richard Feachem, director of the Global Health Group at the University of California, San Francisco, said although worldwide malaria control strategies had been successful, they must now look to respond to changing infection patterns.
The lead author of the study added: "More sophisticated and targeted approaches to identifying those people who are infected, and responding promptly and effectively, must be put in place," he added.
19 April 2018
A self-injected smart drug may be the key to easing and preventing pain for migraine sufferers.
[more...]
17 April 2018
Despite its reputation as a party drug, ketamine is licensed as an anaesthetic. A recent US study found use of the drug via a nasal spray led to "significant" improvements in depressive symptoms in the first 24 hours.
Simple brain-training exercises carried out at home have been shown to reduce emotional stress in female breast cancer survivors, it's recently been revealed.
13 April 2018
Drinkers who consume more alcohol than UK guidelines suggest could be cutting years off their lives, according to new research.
12 April 2018
A recent study has revealed that people who sustain brain injuries are at an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.
11 April 2018
Scientists have announced their latest breakthrough in the battle against Alzheimer's disease, after neutralising a high-risk gene in a human brain cell for the first time.
07 April 2018
The Philippines is set to shut its most famous holiday island of Boracay for six months, after the President described it as a "cesspool".
05 April 2018
Taxes on soft drinks, alcohol and tobacco - nicknamed "sin taxes" - could be a powerful step towards combating rising rates of chronic diseases worldwide, research has suggested.
New "one-stop shops" to speed up cancer diagnosis are being trialled across the country for the first time.
30 March 2018
Doctors should tell patients that e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking but not without risk, according to new national guidance.
29 March 2018
Young people suffering from mental health problems are finding it hard to get the support they need, a survey has revealed.
28 March 2018
Children exposed to epilepsy drugs in the womb may achieve poorer test results at school, a study has suggested.