What should you know about malaria in Zanzibar?

Malaria is an infection passed through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Risk is linked to exposure to mosquitoes, not to the appearance of a particular symptom. A person may feel unwell during travel or after returning home. Possible features include fever, chills, sweating, headache, unusual tiredness and muscle aches. Symptoms can come and go, and early illness may resemble other travel infections. A fever after time in a malaria area needs medical attention even if mosquito bites were not noticed and even if preventive medicine was taken.

Arrange a travel health consultation before departure, especially if you are pregnant, travelling with a child, or have a long-term health condition. A clinician can assess your itinerary and discuss malaria prophylaxis when appropriate. Reduce bites by using repellent, wearing clothing that covers the skin, staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms where possible, and using a properly fitted mosquito net. Follow any prescribed preventive medicine exactly as directed; it does not replace bite avoidance. If you develop fever, chills or muscle aches, tell the clinician that you have travelled to Zanzibar.

Seek urgent medical advice for a fever or flu-like illness during the trip or after returning from Zanzibar. Ask for prompt assessment rather than waiting for symptoms to settle, because malaria can worsen quickly. Emergency care is needed for confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, seizures, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, or difficulty staying awake. Tell the service when you travelled, where you stayed, whether you used preventive medicine, and whether you had mosquito exposure. A blood test may be used to check for malaria and other causes of fever.

Ask which malaria prevention option fits your itinerary and medical history, when to start and stop it, and what to do if you miss a dose. Ask how to protect children and how long to remain alert for illness after returning. If you have symptoms, ask whether a blood test is needed and what warning signs should prompt emergency care.