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Malaria cases tripled in 2011 in Democratic Republic of Congo

Malaria cases tripled in 2011 in Democratic Republic of Congo Featured Image

The Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), a non-profit medical charity, reported 155,000 cases of Malaria in 2011.  The MSF said it had treated 45,000 malaria cases in the DRC in 2009 and approximately 90,000 in 2010. In the first three months of 2012, MSF registered another 85,000 cases, suggesting that the figures continue to rise.

Malaria is most commonly carried by mosquitoes and it is the leading cause of death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  The World Health Organization estimates malaria killed about 655,000 worldwide in 2010, the majority in sub-Saharan Africa.

If you are traveling to the DRC on a mission, volunteer or humanitarian trip, then Insurance Services of America recommends taking the recommend Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/democratic-republic-of-congo.htm) travel precautions along with visiting your doctor and taking the recommended Malaria prophylaxis. 

US State Department warns US Citizens – “Persons considering foreign travel should determine what health insurance coverage, if any, they require while outside the United States. Medicare does not cover health care costs outside the United States and its territories, except under limited circumstance in Canada and Mexico.”  If your health insurance plan does not provide adequate medical coverage, 24 hour worldwide assistance or emergency medical evacuation, then call or email a Client Advisor for an affordable travel medical insurance plan.