How to Protect Yourself From Malaria

Approximately half of the world’s population is at risk of contracting malaria, a disease caused by a single-celled parasite. The parasites enter the body through the bite of an infected mosquito and begin to multiply. If left untreated, they can cause death. The symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.

The parasites are usually transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. However, they can be transmitted to other people through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and shared needles. They have developed resistance to common antimalarial drugs.

In the United States, most malaria cases are imported. Travelers to tropical or subtropical countries should take steps to prevent malaria. This includes wearing long clothing from dusk to dawn, sleeping under a mosquito netting, and using insecticides.

If you do get sick, see your doctor immediately. You should also consult a doctor before you travel to areas where malaria is prevalent.

You should also wear an insect repellent, which should be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Insecticides that contain 2-undecanone, para-menthane-3,8-diol, and picaridin are recommended. Ensure that you use these products on your skin and on your clothing. The permethrin-containing product is safe for children, but should not be used on children under 3.

There are many types of malaria, including Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale. The effects of the infection vary depending on which stage of the parasite life cycle it is in.

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