Capital Health - Malaria

boats Malaria is the most serious risk for travellers visiting malaria areas, including immigrant Canadians returning to their "homeland". At least 30,000 travellers from industrialized countries contract malaria each year and approximately 1 in 100 travellers who acquire P. falciparum will die. (2003 Journal of Travel Medicine)

Malaria occurs when an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person and injects malaria parasites into the blood. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active from dusk until dawn. Although four species of malaria parasites can infect humans and cause illness (Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, P. vivax and P. ovale), only falciparum malaria is life-threatening. Severe falciparum malaria can cause seizures, coma, kidney failure and respiratory failure and progression to death can occur within as little as 24 to 36 hours.

Malaria can occur as soon as seven days after entering a malaria-risk area. The symptoms of malaria vary and are difficult to distinguish from those of other common illnesses. The most frequent symptoms of malaria are fever, headache, nausea and generalized aches and pains. Fever is almost always present and may come and go (cyclical). If you think you have a fever, it is best to measure it with a thermometer to make sure.

In cerebral malaria, which affects the brain, symptoms include: personality change, confusion, lethargy and seizures. This is a medical emergency.

Areas of Risk
Areas of risk for malaria so that you can determine whether or not you need to take a drug to prevent malaria (there is no vaccine).
Malaria Risk by Geographic Areas in Countries with Recommended Medications
Malaria risk by geographic areas in countries with endemic malaria.
Medication to Prevent Malaria
Travellers will likely encounter individuals using a variety of drugs to prevent malaria. Some of these may be reasonable, but others are proven to be less effective and therefore dangerous.
Treatment For Malaria
Although the risk is very much reduced, it is possible to get malaria even when you are on medication. Seek immediate medical care (within 24 hours) for any fever during and after travel to a malaria area (especially within 3 months after return).