Malaria (Paludism)
Definition
Malaria is a very serious and sometimes fatal infection caused by a parasite called plasmodium. There are several strains of plasmodium, and the severity of the malaria varies depending on which species of the parasite is responsible for the infection. The parasite that is most dangerous and most drug-resistant is Plasmodium falciparum.
Practical advice
Whom should you contact to get help?
Go to a travel health clinic as far in advance of your departure as possible. The clinic can prescribe anti-malaria drugs, administer the necessary vaccines and help you understand the precautions you need to take with water, food, insects, the sun, sexual relations, etc. Travel health clinics charge for their services.
You can find a travel health clinic near you on the Public Health Agency of Canada's list of travel health clinics across Canada.
Where can you find additional, credible information?
World Health Organization
