Prevention against malaria

Before traveling, check the areas that present records of malaria cases throughout the year (endemic area or of malaria transmission - in the Americas and in Asia, Africa and Oceania).

For additional information about the incidence of malaria in the world visit the website of the World Health Organization.

The traveler who is going to areas of transmission of malaria should seek guidance before the trip.

If there is a potential risk of acquiring the disease, observe the prevention measures against mosquito bites:

  • Use light clothes with long sleeves during activities of high exposure.
  • Apply insect repellent on exposed areas of the skin, following the guidelines of the manufacturer.
  • In children below the age of two, the use of mosquito repellent is not recommended without medical orientation.
  • Avoid locations near natural breeding sites of mosquitoes (Banks of rivers and lakes, flooded areas or water collection systems, region of native forest), especially from morning to evening hours, due to these being the periods of the day of greater activity of the vectors of the disease.
  • Use protective screens on doors and windows and mosquito nets.
  • In closed environments, use air conditioning or fans.

It is imperative that the traveler is aware of the appearance of symptoms of the disease, such as fever, pain in the body and headache. In the event of manifestation of a symptom, look for the nearest health unit. The ideal is to seek assistance as soon as possible, in up to 48 hours after the first symptoms.

 

Visit the infographics on the prevention of malaria.

 

Prevenção contra malária