Travel Guide: What Countries Have Malaria?

Malaria is a tropical disease spread through mosquitoes. This disease is curable and preventable. However, it can be life-threatening if left untreated. Malaria is a prevalent disease in various countries across the globe. It is essential to ask “what countries have malaria” to make the right plans for your travels. However, before your questions are answered, you need to know the causes and symptoms of malaria and how it can be prevented and treated. Here is a brief guide.

Causes of malaria

The Plasmodium parasite causes malaria. This parasite enters the bloodstream through the infected bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, also known as “malaria vector.” There are several types of Plasmodium parasites. However, only five affect humans. Out of which the P.falciparum and the P.vivax parasites are of significant threat.

The transmission of the parasite from the mosquito to its human host depends on several factors such as climate and human immunity. Rainfall patterns, temperature, and humidity affect the lifespan of mosquitoes. If these insects have a shorter time to live, the parasite can not develop any further within them, making transmission of the parasite less likely. This also means the transmission is seasonal. For example, transmission is more likely during or just after the rainy season.

Partial immunity to the disease is developed due to years of exposure. Therefore, people with little to no exposure are at a higher risk of contracting malaria infection.

Symptoms of malaria

If you intend on traveling to malaria-prone areas, it will be safe to know of the symptoms associated with the disease. These include:

• Feeling hot and shivery
• Body temperature above 38C
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Muscle pains

Malaria risk areas

Several countries report malaria cases frequently. As a guide for your travel plans, here are malaria risk areas you should be aware of:

• Large areas of West and Central Africa, such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo
• Parts of Oceania such as Papua New Guinea
• Haiti and the Dominican Republic
• Parts of Central and South America
• Southeast Asia
• Some Pacific Islands

Prevention

If you are visiting countries in these areas, it would be best to take the necessary preventive steps. An effective way to prevent malaria is via anti-malaria medications. The type of Malaria Tablets usually prescribed will depend on the malaria-risk country you are visiting since some countries have a more potent parasite than others. Depending on the type of antimalaria drug, you would have to take it a day before your flight or upon arrival.

Another preventive measure is to use mosquito nets. Insecticide-treated nets protect you from being bitten by mosquitoes that carry the Plasmodium parasite. Upon arrival, insist on getting one for your bed to create a protective boundary between you and the mosquitoes.

Malaria is a disease that affects many and causes several deaths in affected areas. However, these are usually due to the poor management of the disease. With this knowledge, you can plan your trips to malaria-risk regions.