Malaria Prevention
Malaria is a serious infection spread by mosquito bites in certain parts of the world. Antimalarial medication can significantly reduce the risk of infection during travel to affected areas
About malaria prevention
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, mainly active between dusk and dawn. It's found across large parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, and can cause severe illness or death if untreated, making prevention essential for travellers to risk areas
Treatments
Symptoms
Untreated malaria typically causes:
• Fever, chills and sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Symptoms usually start 7-30 days after a bite in an affected area (occasionally much later)
Diagnosis
Suitability for antimalarial medication is assessed through a travel health questionnaire covering destination, itinerary, medical history and current medicines, since not all antimalarials suit every traveller or every region's resistance patterns
Treatment
The most appropriate antimalarial (such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is chosen based on the destination, trip length, and personal health, started before travel, continued throughout, and for a set period after returning, depending on the medicine
Prevention and self-care
• Take antimalarial medication exactly as prescribed, including before and after travel
• Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin
• Sleep under a mosquito net if accommodation isn't fully protected
• Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening
• Use plug-in insecticides or air conditioning where available
• Seek urgent medical help for fever during or after travel to a malaria area, even if precautions were taken
Reviewed by Hamza Iqbal Naheed, Superintendent Pharmacist, GPhC 2209194 (check the register) · Last updated 21 September 2026