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Malaria in Africa
Travellers to sub-Saharan Africa have the greatest risk of getting malaria. Most malaria transmission occurs in rural areas, although malaria occurs in urban areas in many countries. Low altitudes with warm temperatures allow for larger populations of infective mosquitoes.
Transmission is generally higher in Africa south of the Sahara than in most other areas of the world.
Malaria in Africa Factors:
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Time of the year
Seasons with more rainfall and higher temperatures will have more malaria transmission than colder, drier seasons. However, in most tropical and semi-tropical countries, transmission may occur even during cooler months or periods of less rainfall.
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Type (species) of malaria parasite present in the area
While all species of malaria parasites can make a person feel very ill, Plasmodium falciparum causes severe, potentially fatal malaria. Persons who travel to areas where P. falciparum malaria is present should be extra careful to take their antimalarial drug and to prevent mosquito bites.
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Night time exposure to mosquito bites
Because the mosquito that transmits malaria bites at night, travelers who are frequently out of doors between dusk and dawn will be at greater risk for malaria.
Health Precautions for Africa Travel
Individual measures, such as taking an effective antimalarial drug and preventing mosquito bites, are the most important factors in minimizing risk. While other risk factors may be difficult to change or avoid, travelers can greatly reduce their risk of malaria by following recommended travel precautions.
Malaria pills; insect repellent; long-sleeved clothing; bednet; and flying insect spray.
Persons who are traveling to malaria risk areas can almost always prevent this potentially deadly disease if they correctly take an effective antimalarial drug and follow measures to prevent mosquito bites.
Symptoms of Malaria:
Despite these protective measures, travelers may become infected with malaria. Malaria symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Low blood cell counts (anemia)
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eye (jaundice)
- If not promptly treated, infection with Plasmodium falciparum, the most harmful malaria parasite, may cause coma, kidney failure, and death.
When Symptoms Appear, Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after returning home (for up to 1 year) should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician their travel history.
- Tania - OverlandingAfrica.com26 Jan 2011
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Hi Steven, I recommend you contact a tropical diseases hospital or travel clinic ASAP. I have never had anyone taking anti-altitude tablets so can't comment sorry but you can guarantee that mixing any drugs at altitude can't be good for you. Let me know what they say. :)
- Steven Dhiman22 Jan 2011
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Hi there, I'm climbing Mt Kilimanjaro on Feb 20th 2011 and I intend to to be very soon taking Anti-Maleria tablets and anti-altitude tablets. I've been told that depending on what I take, they can conflict with each other and cause problems. Do you know if this is true? and if it is, what tablets should I be taking to stay safe and not come down ill? The climbs very soon, so it's a bit of a worry.
- Judd - OverlandingAfrica.com05 Oct 2010
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Hi Ann, Yes it is recommended that you have anti-malaria treatment before visiting Nigeria. You should see a doctor or health-care provider to determine all the vaccines you may need before your trip. Cheers.
- ann02 Oct 2010
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I will be traverling to west Africa lagos nigeria should i be concern about Malaria?
- Tania - OverlandingAfrica.com15 Jan 2010
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Hi David, I think you should be OK mixing Dioralyte and Warfarin - I can't see that they would conflict anywhere. Anti malarial 'Malarone' (as it is called in the UK) is VERY effective against preventing malaria and personally I found it very easy to take with no side effects. It can be a little pricey though. However I strongly recommend you contact your closest travel clinic or tropical diseases hospital for confirmation that your malaria treatment will not conflict with the Warfarin. Don't forget your Yellow Fever certificate! :)
- DAVID LORD15 Jan 2010
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We are going to Kenya on the coastal area near Mombassa only for one week in March staying in a hotel. I am currently taking Warfarin will it be ok to take if needed Dioralyte for diarrhoea and what antimalaria tablets would be suitable. Many thanks David Lord
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