Everything you need to know about malaria | 4 min read

Learn about malaria symptoms, treatment options, duration without treatment, causes, and essential travel prevention tips. Stay informed and protect yourself.

Introduction

You are counting down the days until your big trip, with passport in hand, and an itinerary packed with adventure. Whether you are heading to a tropical paradise or exploring remote destinations, there is one thing you do not want to tag along: malaria. This mosquito-borne disease can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare if you are not careful. So, before you set off, let us break down everything you need to know about malaria; its symptoms, treatment, how long it lasts without intervention, its causes, and how you can stay protected while traveling.

Malaria: just the word alone might make you think of tropical travel warnings and mosquito bites. But how much do you really know about this disease?

Which countries have malaria?

Malaria’s highest transmission in Africa, South of the Sahara (in countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Mozambique). However, malaria depends on climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Malaria is transmitted in tropical and subtropical areas, where:

Anopheles mosquitoes can survive and multiply, and
Malaria parasites can complete their growth cycle in the mosquitoes.
The map below shows an approximation of the parts of the world where malaria transmission occurs.

What is the main cause of malaria?

The primary cause of malaria is a Plasmodium parasite, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Once in the bloodstream, the parasite travels to the liver, where it multiplies before infecting red blood cells, leading to illness.

Other rare modes of transmission include:

Blood transfusions
Organ transplants
Shared needles
From mother to unborn baby (congenital malaria)

What are the symptoms of malaria in humans?

Malaria symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically appear 10 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms include:

Fever and chills (often recurring in cycles)
Sweating
Headaches
Muscle and joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and weakness
Rapid breathing and heart rate
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes in severe cases)
Confusion or seizures (in extreme cases of cerebral malaria)

How can I cure malaria fast?

While there is no “instant cure,” malaria is highly treatable with proper medical intervention. If you suspect malaria, seek medical attention immediately. Common treatments include:

Antimalarial medications:

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) – The most effective and widely used treatment.
Chloroquine – Used in regions where malaria is still sensitive to this drug.
Quinine and Doxycycline – Alternative treatments in certain cases.

Supportive Care:

Hydration to prevent complications from fever and sweating.
Pain relief medication (e.g., paracetamol) to reduce fever and body aches.
Hospitalization may be required for severe cases.

Prompt treatment is key to a quick and full recovery.

How long does malaria last without treatment?

Malaria can become life-threatening if left untreated. The duration varies based on the strain:

Mild cases (Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale): Symptoms can persist for weeks, with relapses occurring months or even years later.
Severe cases (Plasmodium falciparum): This form can rapidly worsen within 24-48 hours and lead to severe complications, including organ failure.
Plasmodium malariae: Can persist in the body for years without symptoms but may later cause illness.

Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications and death.

How can I prevent malaria while traveling?

Traveling to a malaria-prone area? Prevention is crucial. Here is how you can stay safe:

Take antimalarial medication.

Consult a healthcare professional for preventive medication like Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam before and during travel.

Avoid mosquito bites

Use insect repellent with DEET.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, especially at dusk and dawn.
Sleep under a mosquito net if staying in high-risk areas.

Stay in mosquito-proof accommodations

Choose hotels with air conditioning and screened windows. Do not be afraid to enquire

Conclusion

While malaria is a serious disease, it is preventable and treatable with the right knowledge and precautions. If you’re traveling to a high-risk area, take necessary measures to protect yourself by consulting a travel medicine facility. If you suspect malaria, do not delay. Remember, prompt treatment can make all the difference. Stay informed, stay safe, and do not let the fear of malaria keep you from exploring the world.