MALARIA

Malaria: Transmission, Symptoms, and Prevention

Transmission: Malaria is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which is most active between sunset and sunrise. The risk varies based on factors such as season, altitude, location, length of stay, and travel type. After a mosquito bite, the parasite enters the liver for the initial phase of development, later moving to invade red blood cells. Some malaria types can remain dormant, causing relapses years later.

Symptoms: Malaria symptoms depend on the Plasmodium species involved but typically resemble flu symptoms, including high fever, chills, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, cough, fatigue, and muscle/joint pain. Symptoms may last for hours, alternating with symptom-free periods. If symptoms occur within a year of returning from a malaria-prone area, seek medical attention promptly.

Prevention: Travelers to malaria-prone areas can take preventive drugs, with drug choice depending on the destination due to potential drug resistance. Currently, no malaria vaccine exists. Additional preventive measures include:

• Avoiding outdoor activities between sunset and sunrise.
• Using insect repellents with DEET or icaridin.
• Avoiding scented products.
• Sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet if air-conditioned and screened rooms are unavailable.
• Considering insecticide-impregnated clothing.
• Reducing the length of stay in high-risk areas and avoiding peak travel seasons.
• Wearing long, light-colored clothing.

Refer to “Essential Information for Canadians Abroad” for more details.