Malaria is aA deadly disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium , transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquitoIt is a preventable and curable disease that mainly affects tropical areas
Risks for travellers
Yes, even today, cases of malaria are regularly diagnosed in Switzerland, around 300 to 400 per year. These are what are called imported cases, meaning infections contracted during a trip to a risk area and diagnosed only after returning to Switzerland.
One observation is frequently made: most people affected have stayed in high-risk areas without taking malaria prophylaxis. This is generally compounded by insufficient protection against mosquito bites. However, these two measures combined provide effective protection.
Which countries or regions pose the greatest risk?
The risk of malaria is particularly high in West Africa . More broadly, sub-Saharan Africa is the region of the world where transmission is most intense.
Other high-risk areas include:
- parts of Central and South America , including the Amazon region ;
- South Asia and Southeast Asia .
The actual risk depends, however, on several factors, including the specific destination, the length of stay, the season, and the type of trip.
What are the most common misconceptions about malaria while travelling?
A common misconception is that malaria is not a serious illness. In reality, it can develop into severe forms and, in the worst cases, be life-threatening. Certain groups, such as children and pregnant women, are particularly vulnerable.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications and promote a full recovery.
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Thank you so much for your valuaWhat are the first warning signs after a stay in a tropical rThe main warning sign is fever. If it appears suddenly after a stay in an area at risk of malaria, a possible infection should always be considered.
Other common symptoms may also occur:
- headaches and pain in the limbs;
- chills;
- strong feeling of discomfort;
- nausea.
These symptoms, however, remain nonspecific and can also occur in many other infectious diseases. That is why it is essential to consult a doctor promptly if you develop a fever after traveling to the tropics.
Why is a fever after traveling to a high-risk area considered a medical emergency?
Fever following travel to a malaria-endemic area is considered a medical emergency, as the illness can rapidly progress to a severe form. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, serious complications can arise quickly.
In addition to malaria, there are other, rarer but also potentially serious tropical infectious diseases that can begin with fever. A rapid medical evaluation is therefore essential.
How long after returning can malaria manifest itself?
Generally, the first symptoms appear in the weeks following infection. Many cases therefore manifest themselves during the trip or shortly after returning.
More rarely, however, malaria can occur several weeks or even months after returning home. This is why it is important to inform your doctor, even long after a trip, if you have stayed in an areSevere development and treatment
Why can malaria progress so rapidly to a dangerous form?
Malaria is caused by parasites that multiply rapidly in the body. They attack red blood cells and can thus affect various organs. This can lead to serious dysfunctions throughout the body. Complications can affect the brain, kidneys, or other vital organs.
Is the disease easily treated when diagnosed early?
In most cases, malaria is easily treated when diagnosed early. Effective medications can eliminate the parasites from the body.
However, severe forms can occur despite prompt treatment, particularly with certain types of malaria. Therefore, the earliest possible diagnosis remains essential.
Are relapses possible months after infection?
Yes, relapses are possible. They can occur if the initial infection was not completely eliminated. In this case, some parasites may persist in the body and later cause a recurrence of symptoms.
Prevention before and during travel
Who should absolutely seek advice before travelling to a high-risk area?
In principle, all travellers should receive travel medicine advice before travelling to an area at risk of malaria.
During this consultation, an individual assessment will determine:
- the level of risk at the destination;
- the need for malaria prophylaxis;
- protective measures to be adopted.
Factors such as itinerary, length of stay, type of accommodation and personal health situation are taken into account.
Are preventative treatments really necessary and well tolerated?
In regions with a high risk of severe malaria, drug prophylaxis is recommended. These treatments are very effective and generally well-tolerated. The appropriate prophylaxis should be chosen during a travel medicine consultation.
Rigorous protection against mosquitoes is an essential element of prevention. It also helps protect against other infections transmitted by these insects.
It includes, in particular:
- the use of skin repellents containing appropriate active substances;
- wearing long clothing, ideally treated with an insecticide;
- the use of bed nets.
If you could only give one piece of advice to travelers, what would it be?
In principle, the most important advice for any trip to southern countries is this: rigorous protection against mosquitoes. This protects not only against malaria, but also against many other diseases transmitted by these insects, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika.
Protecting yourself effectively against mosquito bites reduces the risk of several infections and is one of the most important measures for healthy travel.
Where do the terms "paludism" and "malaria" come from?
The term "malaria"The word "malaria" comes from the Latin "palus," meaning "marsh." For a long time, the disease was associated with marshy areas, where it was particularly widespread. The word "malaria," meanwhile, comes from the Italian "mala aria"—literally "bad air." Before the discovery of the role of mosquitoes, it was indeed thought that the disease was caused by the polluted air of humid regions.
Today, we know that malaria is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, but these two historical terms have remained in common usage. In French, the term malaria is preferred in medical and official contexts, while malaria is more widely used internationally, particularly in
A recent analysis published in the journal Nature distinguishes two different ways in which climate change may affect malaria in the immediate future: either through gradual changes to the environment—such as a slow expansion of an insect's territory—or through "climate shocks" such as floods or hurricanes, which force millions of men and women to move and temporarily block their access to medical aid. However, the distinction is important, write two environmental scientists commenting on the same study in Nature , because in recent years we have understood that climate change will manifest itself through more extreme weather events , and not just through a gradual rise in temperature. Except that projections regarding future diseases have more often relied on scenarios of gradual change: how many fractions of a degree Celsius by 2050, how many people will be at risk in ecosystems newly covered by malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and so on.
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