Malaria in Central & South America

Q: *Where Is Malaria Found?*

Malaria is not present throughout every country or tourist destination. Risk varies according to the specific region, altitude and environment.

Q: What Are the Symptoms?

Common symptoms include: - Fever - Chills - Headache - Sweating - Muscle aches - Fatigue - Nausea or vomiting Symptoms can appear during the trip or after returning home.

Hey-Dr. Team

6 days ago

2 min read

Traveler’s Guide by Hey Doctor

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected *Anopheles* mosquitoes.

It can cause fever, chills, headache, sweating, muscle aches, nausea and severe weakness. Without proper treatment, malaria can become serious and potentially life-threatening.

*Where Is Malaria Found?*

Malaria is not present throughout every country or tourist destination. Risk varies according to the specific region, altitude and environment.

In South America, malaria transmission occurs in parts of:

🇵🇪 Peru
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇨🇴 Colombia
🇪🇨 Ecuador
🇧🇴 Bolivia
🇻🇪 Venezuela
🇬🇾 Guyana
🇬🇫 French Guiana

In Central America, malaria occurs in parts of:

🇵🇦 Panama
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇳🇮 Nicaragua
🇭🇳 Honduras
🇬🇹 Guatemala

Peru

In Peru, malaria is mainly found in **low-altitude areas east of the Andes**, particularly in parts of the Amazon region.

Popular highland destinations such as Cusco and Machu Picchu are not malaria-transmission areas, while destinations such as Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado/Amazon areas can present a malaria risk.

Always check the risk for your exact itinerary before traveling.

How Can You Prevent Malaria?

The best protection combines mosquito-bite prevention with medical advice when preventive medication is recommended.

🦟 Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes

Use mosquito repellent containing an effective active ingredient such as DEET or picaridin.
Wear long sleeves and long trousers, especially from dusk until dawn.
Sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms when possible.
Use a mosquito net when staying in areas where malaria is present.
Consider appropriate insecticide-treated clothing when recommended.

💊 Preventive Medication

Travelers visiting certain malaria-risk areas may be advised to take preventive medication.

The appropriate medication depends on the destination and your individual medical circumstances. *Always consult a healthcare professional before taking malaria medication.*

What Are the Symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

Fever
Chills
Headache
Sweating
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms can appear during the trip or after returning home.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Malaria?

If you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms during or after visiting a malaria-risk area:

1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

2. Tell the doctor about your recent travel, including the countries and regions you visited.

3. Ask about malaria testing.

4. Follow the prescribed treatment exactly if malaria is diagnosed.

Do not ignore a fever after visiting a malaria-risk area. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.

🚨 Seek emergency medical care immediately

If there is confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, severe weakness or rapid deterioration, seek emergency medical attention.

Hey Doctor - Medical Assistance for Travelers

Getting sick while traveling can be stressful - especially when you don't speak the local language or don't know where to go.

Hey Doctor helps travelers across Latin America connect with medical professionals, clinics and appropriate medical care.

We can assist with: