Malaria

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What is malaria?

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites that spread through mosquito bites.

Thanks to strong public health measures, Malaria has been eliminated in Europe. However, worldwide it causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, especially in Africa. 

At a glance

  • Malaria is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.  
  • The EU/EEA, more than 6 000 cases are recorded each year. 99.8% of cases are travel related.
  • Malaria can be prevented by getting vaccinated or taking preventative medication.  

Find out about the malaria vaccine where you are. 

What are the symptoms of malaria?

After exposure, it usually takes up to two weeks for symptoms of the most common form of malaria to appear although in some cases it can be months before symptoms develop. Once they begin, symptoms include:  

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Excessive sweating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Coughing
  • Jaundice
  • Joint and muscle pain

What are the complications of malaria?

In more severe cases, symptoms can also include:  

  • Kidney failure
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Coma

How is malaria spread?

Malaria spreads to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.  

Who is at risk of malaria?

Anyone can be infected with malaria. Those most at risk of severe disease include people who are pregnant, young children, people over 65 and people with compromised immune systems.  

Special care should be taken if you plan to travel to areas where malaria is present.

Malaria is present in Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of the Middle East, Latin and South America, Asia and the Pacific. In the EU/EEA, it is extremely unlikely that people will get malaria.

How can malaria be prevented?

The best protection against malaria is to avoid mosquito bites. Protective measures include mosquito bed nets, especially those treated with insecticides, wearing clothing that covers most of the body and applying insect repellent on the parts of the skin that are visible.

Medication can be used to reduce the risk of becoming sick if exposed to malaria while travelling.

Vaccination can protect against malaria in children.  

How is malaria treated?  

Malaria is an emergency and requires quick treatment with antimalarial medications to reduce the risk of severe complications.