Malaria Facts: Essential Information for Travellers

Malaria is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease transmitted by infected mosquito bites. It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, South America, and the Pacific Islands. If you are travelling to a malaria-risk country, it is essential to take precautions to protect yourself and reduce the risk of infection.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread through bites from infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Once in the bloodstream, the parasites travel to the liver, where they multiply before infecting red blood cells.

If left untreated, malaria can cause severe complications, including organ failure, anaemia, and even death. However, with proper preventative measures and early treatment, the disease is manageable.

What Are the Symptoms of Malaria?

Malaria symptoms usually appear 7-30 days after infection but can take longer. Early signs include:

• High fever and chills
• Sweating and headaches
• Muscle aches and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in severe cases

If you develop any of these symptoms after returning from a malaria-risk area, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Prevent Malaria When Travelling

1. Take Antimalarial Medication

Antimalarial tablets significantly reduce the risk of infection and should be taken before, during, and after your trip. The most commonly prescribed include:

Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) – Taken daily, with fewer side effects.
Doxycycline – An alternative, but can cause sun sensitivity.
Mefloquine (Lariam) – Taken weekly, but may cause side effects in some people.

Tip: Speak to your doctor or travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure to get the right antimalarial medication for your trip.

2. Avoid Mosquito Bites

Preventing mosquito bites is crucial to reducing the risk of malaria. Follow these precautions:

Use insect repellent – Choose a repellent with at least 50% DEET, applying it to exposed skin.
Wear long-sleeved clothing – Cover arms and legs, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Sleep under a mosquito net – Use insecticide-treated bed nets in high-risk areas.
Stay in air-conditioned rooms – Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid environments, so staying in cool, sealed areas reduces exposure.

3. Get Vaccinations & Travel Health Advice

While there is no malaria vaccine widely available for travellers, keeping up to date with routine travel vaccinations (such as yellow fever, hepatitis, and typhoid) is recommended when visiting high-risk regions.

Tip: Visit a travel health clinic well in advance to discuss personalised malaria prevention strategies based on your destination.