Health Risk

You may have booked your flight and hotel, dug your passport out of the junk drawer, found someone to water the plants and feed the fish…but don’t head for the airport just yet. Your vacation plans are not complete unless you know how to outwit and outsmart common travel health concerns.

Malaria FAQs For International Travelers

You're a savvy traveler so you've probably thought of everything. But chances are, you haven't thought about malaria.

While uncommon in the United States, malaria still poses a threat in areas of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Approximately 300 to 500 million people worldwide become infected with the disease each year. In addition:

More than 125 million international travelers visit countries where malaria is present;
malaria is a life-threatening infection for overseas travelers.

Travelers Health Risks Before, After and While Travelling

Things to Know Before You Go:

Research your destination and familiarize yourself with the local conditions, geography, and customs. It is also important that you recognize the key factors that put you at risk for disease. The best way to find information is to ask your health care provider or visit the CDC travel Web site.
Visit a physician or travel medicine clinic as far in advance as possible before your trip to help assess your risk for illness and create a plan for protection.