Malaria Prevention Medical Information

Malaria is caused by a parasite spread by mosquito bites. Millions of cases of malaria occur each year. Malaria primarily affects children, however travelers to Asia or Sub-Saharan African tend to become affected as well. Malaria is common in tropical and subtropical countries.

 

Signs and Symptoms

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain and fatigue
• Sweating
• Cough
• Chest or Abdominal Pain

 

 

Treatment Options for Malaria Prevention Include

 

• Chloroquine phosphate
• Mefloquine
• Primaquine phosphate
• Doxycycline
• Plaquenil

 

Which malaria tablets do I use?

They demonstrate similar efficacy. Some are daily tablets, some weekly. Some are started 1-2 days before travel, others are started 7 to 10 days before.

How to take malaria tablets?

• Take the right tablets for the endemic area you are traveling to.
• Start the tablets before entering a malaria area, depending on the medication
• Take the tablets consistently as prescribed.
• Continue to take them as prescribed for the duration of days after leaving the malaria area. 

How to avoid mosquito bites?

Most bites occur in the evening and night but can occur anytime during the day.

• Wear covered clothing.
• Use insect repellant containing on exposed skin surface, under thin clothing, and around the ankles. 
• Use mosquito coils
• Sleep in mosquito treated room or use a mosquito net