Malaria: what is it, how dangerous is it, how do you get it, and how to prevent Malaria?

What are the facts and key points about malaria when traveling?

1. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and occurs in (sub)tropical regions.
2. Malaria is caused by parasites, plasmodia, which are transmitted from person to person through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito (but also through blood transfusions and other "blood products"). These parasites multiply first in the liver and later in red blood cells.
3. Not all forms of malaria are equally dangerous. Malaria tropica is the most common form of malaria and, generally, also the most serious. It is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. If properly treated, malaria tropica is completely curable. If this disease is not treated in time, death can occur within a few weeks. Depending on the time of diagnosis, in some cases, death can even occur within hours. Even the non-fatal forms of malaria are anything but pleasant to suffer from.
4. Preventing mosquito bites significantly reduces the risk of malaria, and taking antimalarial pills reduces the risk even further.
5. No antimalarial drug is completely protective. Therefore, the risk of contracting malaria even if you take the pills regularly remains.
6. Malaria is becoming increasingly difficult to control because mosquitoes are becoming resistant to antimalarials and mosquito repellents.
7. Malaria cases are most common among travelers and those staying abroad who do not take antimalarials or take the wrong pills.
8. The most fatal cases of malaria among travelers occur due to misdiagnosis or late diagnosis.
9. Malaria is particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women, who also have a significantly higher risk of being bitten by the malaria mosquito. Although some malaria tablets are harmless to pregnant women, it is still advised not to travel to malaria-carrying areas. The consequences of treatment once you have malaria can be risky for both the mother and the unborn child.
10. The malaria mosquito no longer occurs above an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters.
11. Within a country, there may be areas with different malaria advisories and risks.
12. Malaria mosquitoes are primarily active in the evenings and at night. Especially between 2 a.m. and early morning, the "malaria and dengue mosquitoes" are on the warpath, so be careful when using the toilet at night. For precautions, see: Protection against insects, mosquitoes, and spiders abroad.
13. When taking malaria tablets, be aware that if you vomit within one hour of taking them, you should take another dose.
14. Don't panic, almost all travelers always return home safe and sound. Above all, take the necessary precautions and enjoy your trip!

What is Malaria Tropica?

• Malaria Tropica is the "malignant" and most dangerous form of malaria. If left untreated, it can lead to death within a few weeks. Malaria Tropica is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Fever attacks are erratic.
• 99% of fatal malaria cases involve Malaria Tropica.
• If you take the prescribed malaria tablets as directed, the risk of contracting Malaria Tropica is small. However, if you travel through resistant areas, you should be aware that you can still occasionally contract malaria!
• Malaria Tropica is the most common form of malaria and can be contracted in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, or Central and South America.

What is Malaria Tertiana?

• Malaria Tertiana is a "benign" form of malaria and is caused by the parasite Plasmodium vivax and/or Plasmodium ovale. Fever attacks are characteristic, with peaks every 48 hours (2 days). These parasites can remain in the liver and cause a "delayed first attack" of malaria many months or even years later. Tertiana malaria is only prevented while taking the prophylaxis.
• Tertiana malaria is mainly found in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Ethiopia.

What is quartana malaria?

• Quartana malaria is no different from tertiana malaria, except that the characteristic fever attacks occur every 72 hours (3 days). Quartana malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium malariae and is not common.
• Quartana malaria is currently completely prevented with effective malaria tablets.

What are the symptoms of a malaria attack, and what should you do?

• Malaria can present as severe attacks of chills and fever, but also as flu-like symptoms with a headache without a clear fever. It usually begins with a fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache. These symptoms recur every few days if the infection is left untreated. This can include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes).
• It is very important to know that the disease can spread very quickly, and various complications can arise, sometimes within 24 hours! Fever or "flu" that lasts longer than two days should be considered malaria until proven otherwise. If you suspect a malaria attack, have your blood tested for malaria parasites by a doctor or at a hospital. Appropriate treatment can then be given. Malaria is generally curable!

Note:

• The parasite that causes Malaria tertiana can encyst itself in the liver, where it can remain in an inactive state for up to two years.
• This form of malaria can therefore become active and cause symptoms long after returning home.
• Therefore, be aware that if you experience periodic fever attacks (even after returning), this could indicate a malaria attack.

Where can you read more about malaria and malaria prevention?

More about malaria

• Also see the websites of the World Health Organization, the Malaria Foundation International, or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for the most up-to-date information on malaria and malaria prevention.

Preventing malaria

• Preventing mosquito bites: malaria can be prevented primarily by wearing appropriate clothing, using DEET or another effective mosquito repellent, and using a mosquito net. This is because mosquitoes are most active at dusk and at night.
• Taking malaria pills or vaccination: whether to take malaria pills, and if so, which ones, and which ones to take when traveling.