You are travelling to an area with a low risk of malaria, therefore anti-
mosquito measures advised. The aim of anti-mosquito measures is to
prevent severe malaria. Read more about malaria and how to prevent malaria here
can avoid.
What is malaria?
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by malaria parasites. These parasites
enter the body through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes that transmit malaria bite between
sunset and sunrise.
This disease can be very similar to flu. Features include fever (> 38.5ºC), fatigue, headache
and muscle pain. You may also get diarrhoea, vomit or cough, or breathe harder
(are you short of breath). The fever is not always high and it does not always make you shiver. Certain
groups of travellers such as young children (<5 years) and pregnant women are at increased risk of
severe malaria.
There are six different forms of malaria:
- The most dangerous form is malaria tropica. You get that from the Plasmodium falciparum
parasite. You can die from that in a matter of days. In general, malaria is
tropica can be treated well if treatment is started in time. The disease should then
do get recognised in time. - Three other forms of malaria (caused by the parasites Plasmodium vivax,
Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae) are less dangerous. The characteristics are
the same, but people rarely die from this. - Finally, malaria can be caused by the parasites Plasmodium knowlesi and
Plasmodium brasilianum. These are forms that make macaques (a type of monkey) especially sick.
Sometimes these species are also found in humans. To an infection with Plasmodium
knowlesi you can die.
Where does malaria occur?
Malaria occurs in areas of South and Central America, Africa and Asia. In sub-Saharan
Africa and certain areas in Asia and South America you have the highest risk of contracting malaria
get. At www.lcr.nl, you can find where you are at risk of getting it on the 'Advice by Country' page
Of malaria.
Over time, malaria may become more or less prevalent in an area. It is important
to check with a traveller's advisor before each trip.
Note: For individual advice, always visit a traveller's advisor. The advice may
vary from person to person. This may be due to medication use, for example,
pregnancy or your health condition.
PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES
The following anti-mosquito measures of
dusk to dawn. During the day, it is also important to protect yourself from mosquitoes that
can transmit other diseases:
- Wear well-covering clothes: long sleeves, long trousers, closed shoes with socks;
- On uncovered body parts, use insect repellent containing DEET,
For more information on dosages, see the leaflet 'Mosquito repellent when travelling'; - Make sure your bedroom is mosquito-free or sleep under a tightly sealed and impregnated
mosquito net (mosquito net); - An air-conditioned enclosed room also helps protect against mosquitoes.
What if I think I have malaria after returning to the Netherlands?
You may also experience 'flu-like' symptoms during the first two months after returning to the Netherlands,
with or without fever. These symptoms may be the first signs of incipient (severe)
malaria infection. In such a case, consult your GP and mention that you have recently been in a malaria area
have been.
See also www.lcr.nl > opinion by country
See also www.lcr.nl > information on diseases
Download the leaflet below!
