Malaria is a serious and life-threatening disease caused by a parasitic protozoan that spreads via mosquito bites. The symptoms include fever, chills and headache. Malaria is particularly found in tropical Africa. As there is no vaccine for travelers to prevent malaria, antimalarial medications are used for prevention. The choice of antimalarial is influenced by regional resistance, the traveller’s age, other medication used, potential pregnancy, chronic illnesses and the duration of the trip. Antimalarial drugs do not provide complete protection from malaria. Protection from mosquitoes is essential in areas where malaria is endemic, particularly during the dark times of the day. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks, using mosquito repellents and sleeping under a mosquito net.

• THL, Traveller’s Health Guide: Malaria (in Finnish)
• Duodecim medical reference book: Malaria (in Finnish)