What is it?
Malaria, also known as malaria, is a parasitic blood disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium. This parasite is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito (of the genus Anopheles). Malaria is endemic in several tropical countries and is potentially fatal if not treated in a timely manner.
How is it transmitted?
Transmission occurs through the bite of the mosquito and consequent inoculation of malaria parasites into the human bloodstream, where they will develop part of their life cycle, infecting mostly liver cells and red blood cells.
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period (the time between infection and symptoms) of malaria usually ranges from 7 to 30 days and can be longer.
Which countries are at risk of transmission?
Malaria is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Central and South America.
What are the initial symptoms?
The initial symptoms of malaria are:
- fever
- Chills
- Sweats
- headaches
- muscle aches and pains
- lack of appetite
- nausea
- Vomiting
- fatigue
What are the symptoms of severe disease?
In severe cases, when caused by the Plasmodium falciparum species, the following may occur:
- changes in state of consciousness (from marked drowsiness to coma)
- Seizures severe
- anemia
- difficulty breathing
- renal insufficiency
- blood clotting disorders
If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Is malaria curable?
Although potentially very serious, malaria is a curable disease. Diagnosis should be made as early as possible. If you have a fever and have recently stayed in a malaria-endemic country, you should seek medical attention urgently, citing recent travel.
Malaria does not confer immunity for life, and it is possible to contract this disease several times throughout life.
Where can I get the diagnosis?
The diagnosis of malaria is ideally made by observing a drop of blood under a microscope, for direct visualization of the parasite. Also using a small blood draw, there are rapid tests that more indirectly detect the presence of the parasite. A suspected case of malaria should be assessed in an emergency department or in an urgent traveller's consultation.
What are the types of treatment?
There are several types of drugs used in the treatment of malaria (antimalarials), from oral tablets to intravenous tablets for severe cases. Thus, the type of treatment is dependent on criteria of severity and other diseases that the affected person may have simultaneously.
How can I prevent it with medication?
The most severe forms of malaria are preventable by taking medication prophylactically (preventively). There are different medications that can be taken for this purpose, and advice on this matter should be obtained within the framework of a Traveler's Consultation.
Prevention of mosquito bites is also essential.
How can I prevent mosquito bites?
The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid mosquito bites. It is important to take action:
- Wear clothing that covers as many areas of the body as possible, such as long-sleeved blouses and trousers
- Use repellents or insecticides on clothing, as bites can occur through clothing
- Use repellents on the skin, on exposed areas of the body
If camping, sleeping in outdoor areas or without air conditioning, you should use a mosquito net. Mosquito nets are easy to transport and are accessible in shops that sell camping or travel equipment. Some small mosquitoes can pass through the net, so you should impregnate the net with insecticide.
What kind of repellents are there?
Repellents are available in various formulations and in different concentrations. Most formulations contain diethyltoluamide (DEET), a substance proven to be more effective at preventing insect bites.
Spray formulations:
- can be applied to clothing
- On the skin they should be sprayed first on the palm of the hands and only then on the remaining exposed areas
- should not be applied directly to the face
Other cream, roll-on or stick formulations are better suited for direct application to the skin.
Formulations with a low concentration of DEET (30-50%) are generally used for the skin and formulations with high concentrations (100%) are recommended for application on clothing.
How should I use the repellent?
You should use the repellent:
- on exposed areas of the skin, namely the neck, wrists and ankles
- After applying sunscreen (use a sun protection factor of 30-50)
Do not use the repellent:
- about cuts or wounds and irritated skin
- in the eyes or mouth
Read the repellent package leaflet carefully. If in doubt, contact your doctor.
What precautions should I take when using repellents on children?
Repellents should not be handled by children, as they can potentially be applied to the eyes. Protective measures should be reinforced with clothing, and repellent should be used in areas exposed to the sun. Repellents can be applied to children over the age of 2 months.
Sources: Portuguese Society of Travel Medicine (SPMV), Directorate-General for Health (DGS)