A woman in her 50s from northern Israel was hospitalized after contracting malaria during a recent trip to Zanzibar, with doctors warning travelers not to ignore the importance of preventive medication before visiting tropical regions.

The woman was admitted to Rambam Medical Center after her condition deteriorated. Although she initially displayed symptoms consistent with malaria, an earlier test performed at another hospital produced a false-negative result, delaying her diagnosis and treatment.

After receiving the appropriate medication at Rambam, her condition improved, and she is expected to be discharged soon.

Dr. Ami Neuberger, head of Internal Medicine D at Rambam and a senior infectious disease specialist, said malaria remains common in parts of Africa but is largely preventable.

“Malaria can be easily prevented with simple medication,” he said. “There are many myths about malaria prevention pills, but most refer to older medications that are no longer in use. The medications available today have very few side effects.”

Doctors urged Israelis traveling to malaria-endemic countries to consult a travel medicine clinic before departure and take the recommended preventive medication.

The warning follows several recent malaria cases involving Israeli travelers, including a 13-year-old boy who required intensive care after returning from Africa last year and, two years ago, an Israeli citizen who died after contracting malaria while working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)