Spain: Doctors confirm locally-acquired malaria case in Madrid Feb. 28

Event

On Wednesday, February 28, doctors confirmed a locally-acquired case of malaria in Madrid. According to the University Hospital of Móstoles, the patient, a 3-month old infant who had not traveled to a malaria-affected area, is thought to have acquired the virus in the city.

Context

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches. Early symptoms usually appear between ten and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available. Pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those living with HIV), children under the age of five, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Advice

To minimize the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and consider sleeping under mosquito netting if in high-risk areas. If you develop a high fever during or after travel in areas affected by malaria, seek immediate medical attention.