Malaria

Malaria is an infection caused by a parasite. The parasite is transmitted to humans usually through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Patients with malaria may experience sickness, including a high fever and chills. The disease is often spread in tropical and subtropical climate countries. Although there is no vaccine to prevent malaria, there are several preventative measures that can be taken to protect you  from contracting it.

Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria is often characterized by the following signs and symptoms:

• Fever

• Chills

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting

• Muscle pain and fatigue

• Excessive sweating

• Abdominal and chest pain

• Coughing

When To Visit A Doctor

You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the previously listed symptoms while travelling or living in a high-risk malaria country. Malaria-carrying parasites can lay dormant in the body for up to a year. If you are travelling to areas where malaria is prevalent, you should be wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellent and sleeping with mosquito nets to avoid mosquitoes as much as possible. You can also take preventative medicine prior to going on the trip, during the trip and after the trip to help protect you from the malaria parasites. 

Treatment and Medicine

The medicine taken to prevent malaria is essentially the same that is used to treat the infection. The doctor will evaluate your risk and prescribe this medication for you to take if necessary.