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