What should you know about malaria in the world?

Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. Risk is not identical across countries or within a country: season, altitude, local transmission and the exact itinerary can change the advice. People may develop fever, chills or muscle aches during travel or after returning home. A recent trip should be mentioned whenever these symptoms occur, even if mosquito bites were not noticed.

Arrange a Travel Health Consultation before departure with your full itinerary, including stopovers and rural stays. A clinician can discuss Malaria Prophylaxis, insect precautions, clothing and accommodation measures. Use repellent as directed, reduce exposed skin when mosquitoes are active and use screened or netted sleeping spaces where appropriate. If you become unwell, tell the treating service about your travel history and do not rely on a normal temperature at one moment to rule out infection.

Get prompt medical assessment for fever during travel or after returning from a malaria-risk area. Seek emergency help for confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, severe weakness or rapid deterioration. A Blood Test may be needed, and further testing can be arranged when symptoms continue despite an initial negative result.

Ask whether your itinerary carries malaria risk, which preventive medicine suits you, how to avoid mosquito bites, and how long after travel you should watch for fever.