Malaria is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito.
Now is the time when many families are starting to plan their summer vacations. You may be thinking of an exotic tropical destination. You've got the maps, guides, and phrase book. You know where the best beaches or most interesting ruins are. Or maybe you've made all the arrangements to visit family and old friends. But did you forget something important? Mosquitoes are also ready for your visit to the tropics, so don’t forget to pack the proper antimalarial drugs and effective insect repellent too.
Each year millions of Americans travel abroad for vacation, business, or to visit friends and family. As you plan your summer travels, make sure that you're thinking about protection from mosquitoes because malaria and dengue can be serious threats to you and your family.
Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.
Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which usually bite during the daytime. Malaria is an infection caused by a parasite spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, which usually bite at night. Thus, if you will be visiting areas where dengue or malaria is a problem, you should learn how to prevent mosquito bites at all times of the day and night to protect yourself and your family from these serious or potentially deadly diseases.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
Parents should apply insect repellent on their children as well as on themselves.
If you are traveling to malaria and dengue risk areas you should:
- Visit your health care provider 4–6 weeks before travel for any necessary vaccinations and prevention advice.
- Apply insect repellent to prevent mosquito and other insect bites. Your insect repellent should contain DEET as its active ingredient. To prevent malaria, apply insect repellent if out of doors between dusk and dawn when the mosquito that transmits malaria is biting. If dengue is a concern, apply insect repellent during the day.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing.
- Consider applying permethrin (often found in stores with the camping equipment) to the clothing that you will be wearing during travel as an additional layer of mosquito prevention.
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net, especially if you are not staying in screened or air-conditioned housing.
Additional Steps to Protect Yourself from Malaria
Be sure to take antimalarial drugs exactly on schedule without missing doses.
When you visit your health care provider, be sure to obtain a prescription for an antimalarial drug that is appropriate for your particular destination. There are many different medicines that can be used depending on the situation. All of these medicines must be taken for a certain amount of time before travel, during travel, and after departing from the malaria risk area. Be sure to get clear instructions from your doctor or pharmacist about how to take the medicine properly and be sure to take your antimalarial drug exactly on schedule without missing doses.
Read more information about malaria and travel and about risks related to dengue fever.
Visiting Family and Friends
Going “home” to visit friends and relatives? Even if you were born in a malaria-risk country, you may still get malaria if you return as a visitor because most likely you are no longer immune. Your children are also susceptible as they did not grow up with malaria exposure. Find out how you can protect yourself and your family.
It’s Not Just the Mosquitoes!
Mosquitoes are only one of the concerns to take into account when preparing for travel. You can learn more about the recommended vaccinations and prevention tips for your travel on this CDC Travelers' Health website. Stay healthy and enjoy your visit!
For more information, see
CDC Division of Parasitic Diseases
CDC Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases
