Malaria
Malaria is a serious but preventable disease and
the most frequent cause of death for persons traveling to countries
in the tropics and sub-tropics.
Malaria occurs in many parts of the world including
Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, Southeast
Asia, islands of the South Pacific and Eastern Europe. The estimated
risk for a traveler acquiring malaria differs significantly from
area to area.
Any one of any age can contract malaria. Preventative measures
should be taken,
even if exposure will be brief. It is possible to contract malaria
during stopovers at airports if measures have not been taken by
health officials to eliminate mosquitoes from the area.
Malaria is caused by four species of a single-celled
blood parasite of the genus Plasmodium: P. falciparum, P. vivax,
P. ovale, and P. malariae and transmitted by the infected female
Anopheles mosquito. Anopheles mosquitoes are nocturnal feeders.
Malaria transmission most commonly occurs between dusk and dawn.
Taking
protective measures during these hours is highly encouraged.
