Malaria Day in the Americas

“Zero Malaria Starts with Me”

Malaria Day in the Americas will be commemorated on November 6th, 2020.

This year we will observe the 14th Annual Malaria Day in the Americas.
This initiative, supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) brings awareness
to Malaria and is focused on the elimination of the disease.

Fast Facts About Malaria

1) What is Malaria? Malaria is a serious disease which can be deadly for some people
and is caused by a parasite which is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.
Malaria is preventable.
2) What is the Global Burden if Malaria? In 2018, there were 228 million reported
cases of Malaria in 89 countries.
3) How does Malaria spread? Malaria cannot be spread from person to person, it is a
mosquito borne illness.
4) What are the symptoms of Malaria? High fever, chills, joint pains, headaches,
vomiting, diarrhoea and generally feeling unwell.
5) What to do when travelling to countries where Malaria is present*? There are
medications that are prescribed for travelers to prevent infection when travelling to
affected countries. Persons are encouraged to visit their health care provider at least
4-6 weeks prior to travel. Additionally, using mosquito repellant and sleeping under
a net can further help to reduce the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Please see the link below for a listing of countries*
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/country_table/a.html

References:
1) Pan American Health Organization “Malaria Day in the Americas”
https://www.paho.org/en/documents/malaria-day-americas-2020-guidelines-commemorationcommunications-and-advocacy
2) WHO , Campaigns “World Malaria Day” : https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day
3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC “FAQs Malaria”
https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html