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Malaria is a disease caused by mosquito bites and tiny parasites that get into the bloodstream. Only some species of the Anopheles mosquito carry this parasite, and they live in certain areas or countries. This particular mosquito tends to feed between dusk and dawn.
Malaria is a very serious disease. It may cause seizures, anemia, jaundice, heart failure, kidney failure, coma, and even death.
Symptoms of malaria include headache, abdominal pain, chills, shaking, fever, sweats, and feeling unwell.
People who survive repeated or prolonged episodes of malaria are partially immune to infection. However, this wears off a few years after one moves away from an area with risk of malaria. People who move to Canada require anti-malaria medication when visiting or returning to these areas.
If you are travelling to an area at risk of malaria, you need to protect yourself before you travel, while travelling, and when you return home.
Before travel
At least one month before you travel, speak with a travel clinic nurse or doctor. Ask about the risk of malaria in the area you plan to visit. If anti-malaria medications are recommended, you will be given a prescription. Most anti-malaria medication should be started at least one week before travelling.
Make sure you are aware of the possible side effects of the prescribed anti-malaria medication, and that you know how to take the medication correctly. It is best to take the medication with food and lots of water to reduce stomach upset.
While travelling
It is important that you take your anti-malaria medication for the entire time you are travelling. If you have side effects from the medication, do not stop taking it without getting advice from a doctor.
You can reduce your chance of malaria infection by 90 per cent or more by doing the following:
When you return home
Anti-malaria medication does not prevent mosquito bites, or parasites from getting into your body. Once inside your blood, the parasites multiply. The medication stops the parasites from multiplying.
You must continue to take your anti-malaria medication from 3 days to 4 weeks after leaving the area at risk of malaria. This depends on which drug you are prescribed, and whether you return home or travel to another destination. If the medication is not taken for the recommended length of time, the parasites may start to multiply in your blood and make you sick.
Even when taking anti-malaria medication, there is a small chance of developing the illness, sometimes months later. If you develop a fever within a year of your return home, or other symptoms such as persistent headaches, muscular aches and weakness, vomiting or diarrhea, speak with your doctor and tell him\her about your travels. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
Pregnant women and infants should not take certain anti-malaria medications; therefore pregnant women and infants should avoid travel to areas where anti-malaria medications are required. The effects of malaria are more severe among pregnant women, developing babies, and children. A pregnant woman and her baby with malaria are at higher risk of dying from the disease.
If travel cannot be avoided, pregnant women and parents with infants should visit their doctor, or a travel clinic to find out if there is a safe medication. They should also be extra careful to avoid mosquito bites.
For more information, see BC HealthFiles #41g The Pregnant Traveller and #41d Travelling with Children.
