Malaria (paludism)

What is it ?

Malaria, also known as paludism, is a serious and widespread infectious disease caused by a parasite of the genus Plasmodium. This parasite is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. The parasites multiply in the liver and attack red blood cells.

Disease transmission

Certain types of mosquitoes are carriers of the pathogen and transmit the disease through their bites. Transmission occurs most often between sunset and sunrise.

Geographic risk zone

Malaria, countries or areas at risk

Data source: World Health Organization

Symptoms description

Fever
Headache
Vomitin

These common symptoms can be confused with symptoms of other diseases. Clinical diagnosis is therefore hard to make with certainty even for an experienced physician. Only a blood smear test taken during the “crisis period” of the disease can diagnose malaria with certainty.

Health impact

Malaria is a serious disease. It can develop very fast and it should therefore be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Without medical intervention, malaria can rapidly become fatal.

Risks

Over 100 countries in the world present a risk of malaria.
Every year, over 100,000 travellers worldwide come home with malaria as an unwelcome “souvenir.” Cases reported in Canada range from 400 to 1,000 annually.
Every year, 300 to 500 million people on earth contract malaria. Between 1.5% and 3.5% of these will not survive the disease.
80% of malaria cases are observed in sub-Saharan Africa.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to prevent malaria. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that all travellers consult a travel health specialist before they go abroad. Your specialist will be able to advise you about various resources and options available so that you can protect yourself effectively.

Vaccination : malaria (paludism)

There is no vaccination available to protect you against malaria. However, preventive drugs can be administered that will help protect you effectively from this serious disease.

Come and see our experts

Recommended products

Mosquito repellent
Mosquito netting impregnated with deltamethrin

Travel Boutique

Nota Bene

Malaria symptoms generally appear 10 to 15 days after an infected mosquito has bitten you.
Increasingly, malaria parasites worldwide are apparently becoming resistant to certain drugs. It is therefore crucial to talk with a travel health expert in order to obtain effective drugs that will protect you in your given destination.
The risk of contracting malaria is substantially higher in rural areas.
Make sure to be especially careful at sunrise and at sunset.