What You Need to Know

Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Malaria can cause high fever, chills, severe fatigue, and organ complications, making prevention crucial for travelers heading to high-risk areas.

There is no vaccine for malaria, so the best way to protect yourself is through antimalarial medication, insect bite prevention, and mosquito control measures.

Symptoms of Malaria

Symptoms of malaria usually appear 7 to 30 days after infection, but in some cases, they can take months to develop. Early symptoms may be mild and mistaken for the flu, but without treatment, malaria can become severe and life-threatening.

Common Symptoms Include:

• High fever and chills
• Severe sweating and body aches
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Headaches and dizziness
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
  Muscle and joint pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

In severe cases, malaria can lead to organ failure, seizures, breathing difficulties, or even death, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

How to Prevent Malaria

Because malaria has no vaccine, prevention focuses on medication and reducing mosquito bites.

Antimalarial Medication

Taking antimalarial tablets before, during, and after your trip significantly reduces your risk of infection. The type of medication depends on your destination, medical history, and personal preferences.

• Start antimalarial tablets before travel (usually 1-2 weeks before entering a risk area).
• Continue taking them during your trip.
• Finish the full course after returning home (for up to 4 weeks, depending on the medication).

The Malaria Prevention Tablets: When to Take Them & Dosage
Different types of antimalarial medication are available, and the best choice depends on your travel destination and medical history.

Common Malaria Tablets & Dosage:

• Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) – Taken daily, starting 1-2 days before travel and continuing for 7 days after returning.
• Doxycycline – Taken daily, starting 1-2 days before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after returning.
• Mefloquine (Lariam) – Taken weekly, starting 2-3 weeks before travel, continuing during travel, and for 4 weeks after returning.

Our pharmacists can help choose the right medication for you based on your travel plans, medical conditions, and possible side effects.

Bite Prevention Measures

• Use insect repellent with 50% DEET to prevent mosquito bites.
  Sleep under mosquito nets, especially in rural areas.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers in the evenings and at night.
• Stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms when possible.
• Avoid stagnant water areas where mosquitoes breed.

By combining medication with bite prevention, you can greatly reduce your risk of malaria infection.

Which Countries Are at Risk?

Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in areas with high humidity and frequent mosquito activity.

• Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda)
• South and Southeast Asia (India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam)
• South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela)
• The Caribbean (Haiti, Dominican Republic)
• The Middle East (Yemen, Saudi Arabia)
• Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands)

If you’re travelling to any of these regions, you should consult a travel health professional at least 4-6 weeks before departure to discuss malaria prevention options.