Everything you need to know about malaria | 3 min read

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

Introduction

As you count down the days to your trip, the last thing you want is an unexpected health risk. Whether you’re heading to a tropical paradise or a remote destination, malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease that can quickly turn a dream holiday into a health emergency.

Understanding malaria, its symptoms, causes, treatment, and duration without intervention is essential for safe travel. This guide will help you stay informed and protected, ensuring your journey remains an adventure, not a health concern.

Where in the world is malaria most prevalent?

Malaria transmission is highest in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Mozambique. However, its spread is influenced by climatic factors, including temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions where:

Anopheles mosquitoes can thrive and reproduce.
Malaria parasites can complete their life cycle within mosquitoes.

The map below provides an overview of regions 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)

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 to be used before and during travel.

Avoid mosquito bites

Use insect repellent.
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.

Be Aware of Symptoms

Monitor yourself for any signs of malaria after your trip and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

Conclusion

Malaria is a serious but preventable and treatable disease. If you are traveling to a high-risk area, consult a travel medicine facility and take necessary precautions. If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is crucial. Stay informed, stay protected, and don’t let malaria deter you from exploring the world safely.