Malaria is common, serious and in very few cases fatal. There is no vaccine available. There are anti-malarial medications you can take for protection. Visit our travel clinic before your trip to talk to a pharmacist.
Know before you go:
There are several anti-malarial medications that each work in different places; know which one to take.
- Malaria is caused by parasites carried by mosquitoes.
- It spreads through mosquito bites.
- It’s most common in sub-tropical and tropical areas of the world.
- Everyone is at risk in areas with mosquitoes carrying these parasites.
- Your greatest risk is:
- In rural areas
- From sunset to sunrise
- During and after the rainy seasons
Note: For the most up to date and detailed information on malaria, see Travel Canada.
Tips to reduce your risk infection with malaria include:
- Take the right anti-malarial medication for the areas you plan to visit.
- Stay in city areas.
- Do not travel during or after the rainy season.
- Cover bare skin.
- Wear light coloured clothing.
- Use mosquito repellant (DEET) on bare skin.
- Sleep under a bed net.
- Stay in an air-conditioned room not open to the outdoors.
- Stay indoors from sunset to sunrise when mosquitos are in their highest numbers and biting.