Malaria is spread through mosquitoes that transmit parasites to humans when they sting. Malaria is found in many countries in Africa, South America, and Asia, and the risk of being infected is greatest in Africa. The disease is serious and can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of malaria
When the disease breaks out, the symptoms come quickly.
These are common symptoms of malaria:
- You have chills and sweats.
- You have a fever that comes and goes.
- You are hurting your body.
- You have a headache.
- You have muscle aches.
- You feel sick and vomit.
- You get diarrhea.
It usually takes between one to four weeks from the time you are infected until you get sick.
But it can also take months, up to several years, before you become ill with malaria. This is because some mosquitoes from the mosquito can hide in the liver for a shorter or longer period without giving symptoms before they infect the blood. When this happens, you get fever peaks every two to three days, but can be fever-free in between.
When should I seek care?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience high fever during a trip abroad in countries where malaria is present. You should also seek care if you fall ill, even if you have taken preventative medicine. For current information, you can read more on the website of the Public Health Authority.
If you get sick when you get home
If you have a high fever up to three months after traveling where the disease is present, you should immediately seek care in the emergency room, primarily in hospitals with an infection clinic.
This is how malaria is infected
There are different types of malaria, but all types are spread by mosquitoes that transmit parasites to humans when they sting. The malaria mosquito usually stings in the evening and night.
Malaria does not infect people directly.
Where is malaria?
The disease is found in many countries in Africa, South America, and Asia. The risk of being infected is greatest in Africa.
How can I prevent malaria?
To avoid getting infected, it is important that you protect yourself from mosquito bites. You should use mosquito pins in the evening and mosquito nets over the bed or air conditioning. There should be mosquito nets for windows and doors.
Sometimes you need to take medicines for preventive purposes. Often it is important to continue taking the drug even after you have returned home.
Treatment for malaria
Rapid treatment with malarial drugs is vital. As a rule, hospital care is needed.