What is the world's deadliest animal?

The creature that poses the greatest threat to human life is not the ferocious lion, nor the cunning crocodile. It is, in fact, the female Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria to humans thereby causing the death of around 400 000 people each year.

World Malaria Day is commemorated on 25 April 2017 to raise awareness about this potentially life-threatening condition, which is particularly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015 90% of the world's malaria cases occurred Sub-Saharan Africa, with 92% of the world death toll from malaria recorded here.

In South Africa, malaria is particularly prevalent in areas on our borders with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Vhembe and Mopane district municipalities in Limpopo, Ehlanzeni district municipality in Mpumalanga and Umkanyakude in KwaZulu-Natal are particularly high risk areas for malaria outbreaks, and visitors to the Kruger National Park are also encouraged to take precautions.

Travellers are always at risk when entering malaria area, including those who visit Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Fortunately, there are a number of measures that can help to avoid malaria infection, including medicines to prevent malaria and mosquito repellents.

If you are planning a trip to a malaria area, visit your family practitioner or a travel clinic to ensure you have the most appropriate defence against the disease. Anti-malarial medicines usually need to be taken well before travel to risk areas in order to be effective, therefore it is important to consult a healthcare provider well in advance.

Children younger than five years, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and people with spleen conditions, should preferably avoid travel to malaria areas, as they face an increased risk of contracting severe malaria, which could be life threatening.

Even in areas that are not typically malaria areas, there are usually a few cases of "suitcase malaria" or "taxi malaria" reported in South Africa each year. This happens when a mosquito carrying the infection is transported from an area where it naturally occurs to an area that is not regarded as a malaria risk-area, and transmits the illness to someone who has not visited a malaria area. Although this type of malaria infection is rare, malaria is such a serious illness that anyone who is experiencing symptoms should consult their family practitioner as soon as possible.

Malaria can develop as early as seven days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the malaria parasite, and for up to six months afterwards.

Early symptoms of malaria

• Fever (a temperature of 38+ degrees Celsius)
• Flu-like symptoms (chills, headache, body aches, joint pain and coughing)
• Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pains

Remember, not all of these symptoms will necessarily be present in all cases of malaria. Ask your family practitioner about malaria testing if you have any concerns, as the illness may have serious complications, including cerebral malaria, severe anaemia and kidney failure. Remember that a negative test does not necessarily rule out malaria and that medicine for prevention of malaria does not entirely rule out the possibility of developing the illness, although it does offer significant protection.

Even when taking anti-malarial medication, it is still wise to avoid mosquito bites. Not only are mosquito bites an unnecessary irritation, but there are also other illnesses that can be transmitted by mosquitoes.

Tips for prevention of mosquito bites:

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and lightweight pants with thick socks from dusk until dawn when you are outdoors.
• Sleep under mosquito nets - check that the nets do not have any tears and that the netting does not rest against your skin.
• Use insect repellent sprays or lotions at all times, and apply these after you have applied sun screen. Ask your family practitioner about the best option for your individual circumstances.
• When indoors, use fans or air conditioners where possible rather than leaving windows open, unless the windows are covered with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
• Be sure to take malaria prevention measures as advised by your family practitioner or travel clinic, in addition to avoiding mosquito bites.

Malaria can often be prevented or effectively managed when treated promptly. At the first sign of any potential malaria symptoms, book an appointment with your family practitioner as the illness can be extremely serious, even life-threatening, particularly if it is not treated early.