Travellers
The ABCD of malaria protection
A. Be Aware of the risk, the incubation period and the main symptoms
B. Avoid being Bitten by mosquitoes, especially between dusk and dawn
C. Take antimalarial drugs (Chemoprophylaxis) to suppress infection where appropriate
D. Immediately seek Diagnosis and treatment if a fever develops one week or more after entering an area where there is a malaria risk, and up to 3 months after departure.
Malaria, a common and life-threatening disease, is a risk in tropical and subtropical areas of over 100 countries. An estimated 30 000 international travellers fall ill with the disease annually. Fever occurring in a traveller one week or more after entering a malaria risk area, and up to 3 months after departure, is a medical emergency that should be investigated urgently. Prompt diagnosis and correct treatment of malaria can mean the difference between life and death.
Malaria in travellers can usually be prevented. All travellers to malarious regions should follow the ABCD principles listed above.
WHO publishes annually updated information on malaria, its geographical distribution and recommended preventive measures in International Travel and Health. Interim travel advisories are published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record.
For comments and suggestions, please contact Dr Aafje Rietveld, WHO Global Malaria Programme, at email: rietvelda@who.int.
