World Malaria Day – Malaria Risk For Travellers

April 25, 2012 marks this year’s World Malaria Day. The Public Health
Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers that there is risk of malaria transmission in many tropical countries around the world.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a
parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no
vaccine available against malaria.

All travellers are at risk if going to a destination where malaria occurs.

Travellers can reduce their risk by following four principles of malaria
prevention, called the “ABCD” of malaria:

   be Aware of malaria risks and symptoms
   know how to prevent mosquito Bites
   take anti-malarial drugs or “Chemoprophylaxis”, if appropriate
   seek medical help early for Diagnosis, if malaria-like symptoms
  develop