Malaria

More than three billion people – nearly half the world’s population – are at risk of malaria.¹

When bitten by infected mosquitoes which carry the malaria parasite.¹

Most countries in Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia (see map).²

Fever, headache, and chills. Symptoms usually occur between 10 and 15 days after being bitten, therefore you may start to feel ill when you are back home after your trip.¹

Prompt treatment means that most people recover completely. But malaria is a severe and potentially fatal disease, so quick diagnosis and treatment are vital. Severe cases can lead to seizures, mental confusion, kidney failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and coma.³

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

• Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
• Use a recommended insect repellent containing either Picaridin, DEET, PMD or OLE, IR3535 or 2-undecanone⁴
• Wear appropriate clothing (e.g loose fitting long-sleeved clothes, long trousers, socks and shoes) to minimise exposed skin⁵
• Use mosquito nets if you are sleeping or resting in unscreened accommodation or sleeping outdoors during the day or night⁵