A serious health risk for travelers Each year, an estimated 7 million Americans travel to countries where malaria is a common occurrence, placing themselves at risk of acquiring this serious, and potentially fatal, infectious disease. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Malaria parasites invade a person's red blood cells, causing a disease characterized by headache, fever, chills, and sweating. These symptoms alternately subside and then recur over periods of 2-3 days. Left untreated, the disease may progress to anemia, jaundice, kidney failure, coma, and even death.
Malaria exists throughout the tropics, but the risk of acquiring it is greatest in Africa.
It occurs, but is less of a risk in India, the Far East, South America, Central America, and Mexico. However, the malaria situation changes constantly, so check with your physician, travel medicine specialist, or the CDC for any new developments before you travel. Take measures to prevent mosquito bites. If necessary, your physician will prescribe medication to help prevent malaria. If you become ill Even if you take antimalarial pills, it is still possible to get the disease.