HOW TO PREVENT MALARIA - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CITIZENS AND TRAVELLERS

MALARIA

According to the WHO, in 2022, 249 million malaria cases and 608,000 malaria deaths were reported worldwide in 85 countries. The African region bears a disproportionate share of the global burden of malaria.

In 2022, the region accounted for 94% malaria cases (233 million) and 95% (580,000) malaria deaths.

Four African countries account for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (26.8%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.3%), Uganda (5.1%) and Mozambique (4.2%).

Risk assessment for travellers

Malaria transmission is not evenly distributed across all countries. In some destinations, malaria transmission occurs throughout the country, while in others it is concentrated in certain pockets. Therefore, having a good understanding of the number of malaria cases in your destination is an important step in preparing for your trip.

        Recommendations for citizens and travellers to prevent infection.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquito bites.

The disease is spread in 91 countries, mainly in Africa, Asia, South and North America. In Ukraine, malaria is not transmitted by mosquitoes, and currently all reported cases are imported.

Symptoms of malaria appear 10-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The first signs - fever, headache - may be mild, making it difficult to detect the disease. Depending on the course of the disease, the symptoms may include severe fatigue, loss of consciousness, convulsions, shortness of breath, bloody urine, yellowing of the sclerae and skin.

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and by taking medication.

Preventive measures to prevent infection

1. Use of repellents: Use repellents, especially in the morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
2. Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves, trousers and socks when visiting mosquito-infested areas, especially in the evening and at night.
3. Use of nets: Use nets to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially when sleeping. This can be especially important if you are in areas with a high incidence of malaria.
4. Avoiding activities during peak mosquito season: reduce time spent outdoors in the morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
5. Travel safety: if you are travelling to high-risk areas, find out about the epidemiological situation and follow local prevention recommendations.
6. Talk to your healthcare provider about antimalarial prophylaxis. The type of medication depends on the country you are travelling to and the type of malaria pathogen circulating in the region, and in some cases, you may need to start a few weeks before your trip.