Charlie Webster and malaria: medical facts behind the headlines

What is malaria?


Why is malaria in the news?

According to news reports, TV presenter Charlie Webster has fallen seriously ill in Rio de Janeiro with a rare form of malaria. She is apparently in a serious condition and is undergoing hospital treatment.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

There are two general types of malaria: benign and malignant. Benign malaria is milder and relatively easy to treat. Malignant malaria can be very severe and sometimes be fatal.

The most common symptom of benign malaria is a very high temperature (fever). In malignant malaria, fever is also a common symptom. However in malignant malaria, further complications such as breathing problems, liver failure and shock can occur.

How can malaria be prevented?

The 'ABCD' of malaria prevention is:

Awareness of risk of malaria

Bite prevention

Chemoprophylaxis (taking anti-malarial medication regularly and exactly as prescribed)

Prompt Diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about malaria see our malaria information.