Health Center

When should you worry?

No malaria protection is 100% effective. If you have traveled in a malaria risk area and you develop fever and/or an influenza-like illness you should seek immediate medical attention. Malaria symptoms will occur at least 7-9 days after infection, therefore, fever in the first week of travel is unlikely to be malaria.

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What is Malaria?

MosquitoMalaria is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.  Malaria is a major health problem in areas of the world inhabited by over 40% of the world population. It is responsible for over 1 million deaths per year. It is the most frequent infectious cause of death for persons traveling to countries in the tropics and subtropics.

What are the symptoms?

The infection initially causes flu-like symptoms with fever, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue. More severe forms of the disease progress to organ failure, coma and death. Infection with the more benign species can produce the classical course of recurrent bouts of fever, chills and aches alternating with symptom free periods.

The incubation period (the time between infection and the first symptoms) can be as little as 8 days or as long as 8-9 months depending on the infecting strain.

Who is at risk?

Like many travel health concerns the risk will vary depending on destination, itinerary, season and style of travel. In general malaria is a risk in rural and urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. In most other risk areas of the world, malaria transmission occurs only in rural areas. Risk increases with rainfall and warmer temperatures and decreases with altitude. The Anopheles mosquito feeds mainly from dusk to dawn, so risk also depends on evening and nighttime outdoor activities and sleeping accommodations.

How do I protect myself?

Malaria prevention is a combination of avoidance, mechanical protection and chemoprophylaxis (the administration of medications for the prevention of infection or disease). No method can protect completely against the risk of contracting malaria. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent malaria.

  • Chemoprophylaxis - an anti-malarial medication regimen is recommended for all travelers who will be in a malaria risk area with exposure between dusk and dawn. Which drug you use will depend on your location, your medical history and personal preferences.