Myth: Mosquitoes rarely bite me and hence precautions do not need to be taken

Fact: It only takes one bite by a malaria-carrying mosquito to contract malaria. Be safe not sorry.

Myth: Intended travel to an area infected with Malaria is in the dry season so there is no need for precautions

Fact: While many countries do have wet and dry seasons, with mosquito activity increasing in the wet season, mosquitoes may still be active in the dry season. A healthcare professional should be consulted and the recommended precautions followed.

Myth: It is useless to take antimalarials as they are not 100% effective

Fact: Antimalarials are 90 - 100 % effective when taken as recommended. Combining this with good bite prevention can help stop contracting malaria.

Myth: The side effects of the antimalarials are worse than malaria itself

Fact: Malaria can be result in hospitalization and even be fatal. A healthcare professional can help select the right type of antimalarial.

Myth: Garlic, Vitamin B and Ultrasound devices protect against malaria

Fact: There is no evidence to support the fact that use of these act as protection from mosquito bite.

Myth: Staying in four or five star hotels prevents malaria

Fact: Malaria is the result of a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes do not discriminate. Staying in a four or five star hotel does not ensure not getting bitten.

Myth: There is no need to take precautions if the travel to an area infected with malaria is only for a couple of days

Fact: One bite from an infected mosquito is enough to cause malaria. Even a short visit to the place warrants a visit and prophylaxis advice from a healthcare professional.

Myth: The banned pesticide DDT is the silver bullet against malaria

Fact: DDT is a myopic response with long term consequences. Though DDT may be effective in certain situations where mosquitoes haven't yet developed resistance, the malaria health crisis will not be resolved.

Myth: Climate change will cause a major rise in malaria

Fact: Climate change is blamed for a wide range of public health and environmental disasters. This is not so for malaria, the epidemiology of which is highly complex; the dominant responsible factors are the ecology and behaviour of both humans and mosquitoes.

Myth: Malaria cannot be spread by blood transfusion

Fact: Malaria is a rare but potentially serious complication of blood transfusion. Malarial parasite is one of the several blood parasites that can be transmitted through the blood. Careful screening of donors according to the recommended exclusion guidelines is the best way to prevent transfusion-transmitted malaria.