Health Guidelines for Malaria
Overview
Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Although malaria is preventable and treatable, it remains a major public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Migrants, immigrants, refugees, international students, overseas workers, and travelers moving to or through malaria-endemic countries should understand the risks, recognize symptoms early, and take appropriate preventive measures.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasites that infect red blood cells. The most common species affecting humans include:
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Plasmodium falciparum (most severe)
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Plasmodium vivax
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Plasmodium ovale
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Plasmodium malariae
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Plasmodium knowlesi
Without timely diagnosis and treatment, malaria can become life-threatening.
How is Malaria Transmitted?
Malaria spreads primarily through:
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Bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
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Rarely through blood transfusion.
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Organ transplantation.
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Shared contaminated needles.
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Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.
Malaria does NOT spread through:
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Handshakes
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Hugging
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Sharing food or drinks
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Coughing or sneezing
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Casual contact
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop 7–30 days after an infected mosquito bite but may appear later depending on the parasite species.
Common Symptoms
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High fever
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Chills and shivering
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Sweating
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Headache
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Muscle and joint pain
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Fatigue
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Loss of appetite
Severe Symptoms (Medical Emergency)
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
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Difficulty breathing
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Confusion
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Convulsions
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Persistent vomiting
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Severe weakness
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Loss of consciousness
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Yellowing of the eyes or skin
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Dark-colored urine
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Severe anemia
Who is Most at Risk?
People at higher risk include:
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Migrants and refugees entering malaria-endemic areas
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International travelers
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Overseas workers
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Pregnant women
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Children under five years
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Older adults
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Individuals with weakened immune systems
Prevention
Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid malaria.
Protect Yourself
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Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs).
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Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially from dusk to dawn.
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Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
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Use mosquito coils or indoor insecticide sprays where appropriate.
Prevent Mosquito Breeding
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Eliminate standing water around homes.
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Cover water storage containers.
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Dispose of containers that collect rainwater.
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Keep surroundings clean.
Antimalarial Medicines
If traveling to a malaria-risk country:
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Visit a healthcare provider before departure.
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Take prescribed antimalarial medication exactly as instructed.
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Complete the full course, even after leaving the malaria-endemic area.
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Never self-medicate.
Diagnosis
Malaria can only be confirmed through laboratory testing.
Healthcare providers may use:
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Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)
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Blood smear microscopy
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Molecular tests (where available)
Early diagnosis improves recovery and reduces complications.
Treatment
Malaria is curable when treated promptly.
Treatment depends on:
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Type of malaria parasite
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Severity of illness
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Patient's age
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Pregnancy status
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Local drug resistance
Always complete the full course of medication prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Advice for Migrants, Immigrants & Refugees
PHOMIR recommends that migrants and refugees:
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Learn whether malaria is present in your destination country.
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Carry sufficient mosquito repellent during travel.
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Register with local healthcare services upon arrival.
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Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever.
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Protect children and pregnant women from mosquito bites.
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Follow local public health recommendations.
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Maintain good hygiene and environmental cleanliness.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Visit the nearest health facility immediately if you experience:
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Fever after traveling to a malaria-risk area
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Persistent chills
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Severe headache
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Difficulty breathing
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Confusion
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Continuous vomiting
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Convulsions
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Loss of consciousness
Early treatment can save lives.
PHOMIR's Key Messages
✔ Malaria is preventable and treatable.
✔ Prevent mosquito bites by using insecticide-treated bed nets and repellents.
✔ Take antimalarial medicines if recommended before travel.
✔ Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever after visiting a malaria-endemic area.
✔ Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent severe illness and death.
PHOMIR's Commitment
PHOMIR (Protecting Health of Migrants, Immigrants & Refugees) is committed to improving the health and well-being of migrants, immigrants, and refugees through education, awareness, disease prevention, and evidence-based public health information.
By promoting healthy migration and empowering communities with reliable health guidance, PHOMIR works toward a future where every migrant has access to the knowledge and care needed to live a healthy, safe, and dignified life.
Disclaimer
The information provided by PHOMIR is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have symptoms of malaria or any other health concern, seek immediate care from a qualified healthcare provider or your local health authority.