Malaria

Malaria is a tropical infectious disease caused by the malaria parasite, which is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. There are six types of parasites that can cause malaria, with P. falciparum being the most dangerous. If left untreated, it can be fatal within just a few days to weeks. The other types are less dangerous but can still cause fever attacks months or even years after infection.

If you have had malaria before, you can become infected again if bitten by an infected mosquito. Anyone travelling to high-risk areas can contract malaria, especially during long-term stays. Young children, pregnant women, people without a spleen or with spleen-related conditions, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe malaria.

Where is malaria found?

Malaria is prevalent in (sub)tropical regions such as West, Central, and East Africa, parts of Southern Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. It is rare above an altitude of 2,500 metres.

What are the symptoms?

Malaria symptoms typically appear one to several weeks after infection, particularly with P. falciparum. For other forms, the incubation period can be longer, leading to symptoms that may not occur until months after returning home. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing and shortness of breath.

How can you prevent malaria?

Protect yourself against mosquito bites and take preventive anti-malarial medication when in high-risk areas. Vaccination against malaria is not yet possible. In low-risk areas, measures to avoid mosquito bites are sometimes sufficient.

Personalised advice

The appropriate measures depend on your destination, duration of stay and health. Our nurses at the Travel Clinic are happy to provide you with personalised advice.

Pharmacy service

Our Travel Clinic has its own pharmacy. After your appointment, we can send the medication to your home or work address in the Netherlands, or you can collect it at the pharmacy in Departure Hall 2 at Schiphol Airport.

More information

Would you like to know more about malaria? Then visit the RIVM's information page: Malaria | RIVM.