Malaria: transmission, prevention and key facts

Essentials

Parasitic disease transmitted by some Anopheles mosquitoes, mainly in tropical areas.

Agent: Plasmodium spp.
Transmission or exposure: Vector

Situation and vulnerability

The risk varies according to location, season and route. Young children, pregnant persons and unimmunized travellers are particularly vulnerable.

Signs and limits of their interpretation

Fever, chills and headaches can accompany malaria. Confusion, convulsions or difficulty breathing are serious signs. The beginning may be similar to other febrile diseases; return from travel must be reported without delay.

Diagnosis and monitoring

Appropriate parasitological research can confirm infection and guide management. The assessment shall take into account the territory, dates and species concerned. Previous drug prevention does not preclude infection.

Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →

Prevention and care

Protection against punctures and chemoprophylaxis when indicated complement each other; this one is chosen with a professional.

Practical issues

What to do in front of a fever after a trip?

Check quickly and report the stay, even after the return and even if a prevention has been taken. A fever is not enough to identify malaria.

Do dengue and malaria require the same prevention?

No. The agents, vectors and means of prevention differ. Protection against stings may be common, but other measures are chosen depending on the trip.

Preparing for an exchange with a professional

Specific itinerary and dates of stay
Fever onset and associated signs
Name of prophylaxis, taken and possibly forgotten

Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.

Individual decisionThe choice of a test, treatment or prevention depends on the local situation and recommendations. In case of distress, call 911.