Malaria is a fever-like infection which attacks red blood cells within the body. It is caused by a type of parasite called a plasmodium, spread through the bite of a mosquito. This tropical insect is commonly found in most parts of the world and more so in parts of Africa, Asia, South America and the Pacific islands.

After infection, symptoms may or may not appear. Moreover it could take days or even months to appear. If a diagnosis isn’t made as soon as possible, it can be fatal. Malaria shares some basic attributes with the flu:

Vaccinations against malaria are under testing phase, but until a definitive immunisation process is
found, malaria is difficult is to avoid.

Malaria prophylaxis is a preventative form of treatment involving anti-malarial medication taken a few days before travel, for the duration of your travel and after your trip has concluded. Longer trips require a longer period of prophylaxis. Medical protection should be in use in conjunction with other forms of prevention i.e. to avoid as much contact with mosquitoes as possible for instance; using mosquito nets when you are sleeping and using strong insect repellent on exposed areas of skin can limited contact with mosquitoes, making bites less of a worry. One bite is all that it takes to get malaria, so the threat of interaction with mosquitoes shouldn’t be
underestimated.

If you require more information about Malaria then speak to one of our travel experts or visit your nearest travel clinic.