Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about malaria or your health.
Dr Gerard “Gerry” Norris, a South African born in Fish Hoek, Cape, has lived, studied and worked on four continents. With more than 50 years of experience studying malaria – including its causes, diagnosis and treatment – in multiple countries, he is well-qualified to provide reliable information on the subject. An avid adventurer and regular participant in Suzuki Safaris, Gerry brings a wealth of knowledge and first-hand understanding to this guide.
Malaria has been around for thousands of years and can be a serious – even potentially fatal – illness. The good news is that it is preventable and relatively easy to treat if diagnosed in time. It is believed to be ‘zoonotic’, meaning it originated as a disease passed from animals to humans, which in malaria’s case is thought to have happened in ancient times. Today, it is classified as a tropical disease.
In southern Africa, malaria is most commonly caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum (although several other species can also be responsible). The parasite is transmitted from person to person via the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito.
The word “malaria” itself is thought to have originated from Medieval Italian, combining mal (bad) and aria (air) – a reference to the belief that swamp air caused the illness. Modern science has since firmly linked malaria to mosquito bites.
Over the centuries, malaria has infected and killed millions of people worldwide. While containment programmes, improved knowledge and better treatments have greatly reduced its reach, it remains prevalent in developing countries located between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn – including parts of southern Africa.
Recognising and treating malaria
The first signs of malaria usually appear between 10 and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The early symptoms – fever, headaches and chills – can be easy to mistake for flu or other common illnesses but should never be ignored if you have been in a malaria area. Without prompt treatment, the disease can quickly progress to more severe stages, potentially causing cerebral (brain) infection, organ failure and even death.
Fortunately, confirming a malaria diagnosis is simple. All it takes is a drop of blood, which can be tested using a rapid diagnostic kit or examined under a microscope. Results are available within minutes, allowing treatment to begin immediately if the test is positive.
Treatment in southern Africa generally follows Western medical practices. Several effective medicines are available, and in more serious cases, additional measures such as blood transfusions may be necessary. The earliest known treatment came from quinine – an extract from the bark of the cinchona tree in Latin America. Since then, science has developed a variety of synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs, as well as certain antibiotics, to fight the disease. Doxycycline is one of the more commonly used options today, valued for both prevention and treatment.
Staying safe and preventing infection
While treatment is effective when started early, prevention remains the best form of protection – especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system. Travellers and residents in malaria-prone areas should take extra care during the hours when mosquitoes are most active: around sunrise and sunset.
Something as simple as clothing choice can make a difference. Muted tones like khaki or cream are less likely to attract mosquitoes, while black, blue and red can draw them in. Covering exposed skin, especially ankles, during high-risk hours helps too. For those spending nights in or near the bush, mosquito nets provide an added barrier, while repellents containing DEET or treatments with pyrethrins offer effective chemical protection.
Avoiding bites is the most reliable way to steer clear of malaria. And with promising vaccines already in use – particularly aimed at children – there is growing hope that this ancient disease may one day be brought under control, or even eradicated, in the regions that still struggle with it.
Traveller’s malaria prevention checklist
(For overlanders, campers and adventure travellers)
- Know your risk – Check if your route or destination is in a malaria zone before you travel.
- Pack the right meds – Ask your healthcare provider about suitable prophylaxis (preventive medication) and follow the dosage exactly.
- Dress smart – Wear light, muted colours like khaki or cream, and black, blue and red. Cover ankles and arms, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Protect your skin – Use insect repellent containing DEET and reapply as directed. Treat clothing or gear with pyrethrin-based sprays if possible.
- Sleep safely – Use a mosquito net at night, preferably one treated with insecticide.
- Avoid peak biting times – Limit outdoor exposure during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.
- Stay alert after your trip – If you develop fever, chills or headaches within a month after visiting a malaria area, seek medical attention immediately and mention your travel history.
