Malaria risks for young children rise in Africa's high-transmission zones

Malaria remains a serious health risk in many parts of the world, particularly for young children. The disease spreads through mosquito bites and causes around 600,000 deaths annually, with most victims under five years old. Families planning trips with toddlers are advised to choose destinations carefully to avoid exposure.

Malaria is caused by parasites carried by Anopheles mosquitoes, which bite mainly at dusk and night. In children, symptoms often differ from adults, appearing as stomach pain, diarrhoea, or even seizures. Early testing is crucial if a child develops a fever after visiting a high-risk area.

Regions like sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, and equatorial South America pose the highest risk. Meanwhile, malaria-free zones include Australia, New Zealand, North America, South Africa, and southern South American countries such as Chile and Argentina. Not all antimalarial drugs are safe for infants, making prevention even more important.

For families with young children, experts recommend long-haul destinations outside malaria-risk areas. If travel to a high-risk region is unavoidable, precautions should include mosquito nets, repellent, protective clothing, and a consultation with a travel medicine specialist before departure.

The WHO does not provide a full list of certified malaria-free countries, but families can reduce risks by avoiding high-transmission zones. Proper planning and protective measures are essential for keeping children safe in areas where malaria is present. Without these steps, young travellers remain vulnerable to a potentially life-threatening disease.