Malaria: risks, prevention and advice for travellers
Malaria is a serious infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions. There is usually no vaccine available for travellers. You can prevent the disease by protecting yourself against mosquito bites and by taking malaria tablets. Whether you need malaria prophylaxis depends on your destination and the duration of your trip.
What is malaria?
Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, various species of which can cause infections in humans. You can become infected through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes are mainly active between sunset and sunrise. After infection, the parasite ends up in the liver, where it multiplies and then enters the bloodstream.
There are five different forms of malaria. The most dangerous is malaria tropica. Infection with this form of malaria can lead to serious complications within a few days, possibly resulting in death. Treatment for this form of malaria is only possible at an early stage.
The other forms of malaria are less severe. The symptoms are the same, but no serious complications occur. The most recently discovered form of malaria infects monkeys (including macaques) in Southeast Asia and can also be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
Where does malaria occur?
Malaria occurs in parts of South and Central America, Africa and Asia. The highest risk of contracting malaria is in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia and South America.
High-risk areas
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Parts of Asia
- South America
Would you like to know if malaria is present at your travel destination? Then visit our country page, where you can see which diseases are present in each country. You can also read here which vaccinations are compulsory or recommended and what other health precautions you can take.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
The first symptoms of malaria usually appear ten to fourteen days after infection, but sometimes it can take several months. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Anaemia
In severe forms of malaria, such as malaria tropica, complications can occur, such as neurological symptoms (headache, seizures, coma or confusion), organ failure and even death.
Is there a vaccine against malaria?
A vaccine against malaria has been available since 2015. However, this vaccine does not provide sufficient protection against malaria for use by travellers. The vaccines (RTS,S and R21) are primarily intended for children in high-risk areas in Africa, not for travellers. As a traveller, you can prevent malaria by protecting yourself against mosquito bites and by taking malaria tablets (prophylaxis).
Do I need malaria tablets?
Whether you need malaria tablets depends on your destination, the length of your trip, your medication use and any pre-existing conditions you may have. This means you may receive different advice to one of your travel companions. You should therefore always seek personalised travel advice and not simply follow someone else’s advice.
You will probably need tablets if:
- Travelling to sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia and South America
- A stay of more than a week
- Staying overnight outside cities
What malaria tablets are available?
There are various types of malaria tablets. Commonly used medicines include atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone®), doxycycline and mefloquine (Lariam®). The dosage, possible side effects and the best way to take the tablets vary depending on the medicine. You will be given an explanation of this during your appointment with the travel nurse.
How can you prevent malaria whilst travelling?
Fortunately, malaria is easy to prevent. The most important measure is to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeved tops and long trousers, use insect repellents (such as DEET) and sleep under an impregnated mosquito net or in an air-conditioned room.
In areas where malaria is common, it is sometimes advisable to take malaria tablets (chemoprophylaxis). These medicines help prevent the parasites from taking hold in your body. It is important to start this medication on time and to complete the full course of treatment in accordance with the advice you have been given.
Are you travelling to a high-risk area where access to medical care is limited? If so, you may need to take emergency treatment with you on your trip.
In short:
- Sleep under a mosquito net
- Use DEET
- Wear long clothing
- Avoid stagnant water
- Seek advice from one of our travel nurses in advance and follow this advice carefully during your trip.
When should I seek medical advice about malaria?
If you have been in a malaria-endemic area in the last three months and have a fever, you should be tested for malaria if the fever lasts longer than 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions about malaria
The incubation period is 10–14 days after infection.
Yes, it is possible, but the risk of malaria in Thailand is low.
The most dangerous form of malaria, malaria tropica, can cause serious complications within a few days. This can sometimes be fatal.
That depends on your destination and the duration of your trip. The travel nurse will discuss this with you during your personal travel consultation.
All medicines can cause side effects, including malaria tablets. The side effects are usually mild, certainly compared to the symptoms of malaria itself. You can read about any side effects you might experience in the leaflet that comes with your malaria tablets.