Before embarking on your next exotic destination, make sure you are malaria-wise. Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted from person to person via an infected mosquito. While malaria can be fatal without treatment, it can normally be treated successfully with prompt medical attention. It can also be prevented. According to World Health Organization estimates, over 40 percent of the world's population lives in malaria-risk areas.
Malarial regions exist in almost all tropical and subtropical countries.
Infected mosquitoes bite from dusk to dawn. Anyone, of any age, can contract malaria. Mosquitoes like wet, swampy areas and thrive in tropical conditions. Symptoms are flu-like and include fever, strong headache, fatigue, muscle aches, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Symptoms may appear as early as six days and as late as several months after travel in a malarial area.