Malaria

Anti-malarials available

(following consultation)

Malarone tablets: Most popular antimalarial because of least side-effects and the fewest weeks to complete a course.
Lariam tablets : Once weekly anti-malaria tablets, removes need for daily tablet ritual.
Doxycycline: Often chosen antimalarial because it is the cheapest.

Visit or call us to find out what would be best for you

Malaria is a tropical disease and sometimes it can be fatal. Malaria is found in many countries including many parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), parts of middle and Far East and some Pacific Ocean Islands.

There are on average 2000 cases of malaria annually, of which nine cases are fatal – all potentially avoidable and the UK is one of the biggest importers of malaria.

British travellers are travelling more and more to malarious destinations. Even if you born or lived previously in the malarial country, on return from living in the UK, you will not be immune. It Only Takes One Bite.

It’s as simple as:

  • Awareness and Advice
  • Bite Prevention
  • Chemoprophylaxis (malaria tablets)
  • Diagnosis (go to see doctor on return if any concerns)

Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bite, and as there is no vaccination available – prevention is achieved through malaria prophylaxis tablets and bite avoidance.

 

 

Do NOT rely on homeopathic or natural antimalarial treatments.

Bite avoidance can be achieved by:

  • Choose and use a good quality insect repellant – like one containing DEET
  • Cover up – especially after dusk until dawn
  • Sleep under a mosquito net
  • Wearing light, loose clothing that covers as much as possible eg arms and legs
  • Use plug-in vapourisers or burning coils to keep insects away
  • Consider taking Vitamin B1 – 1g per day starting two weeks before – as the smell in your sweat discourages insects biting

On your return from a malaria area, continue taking the malarial medication as advised to ensure you have cover, and if you experience any high fever in the next two years, go and see your doctor and mention you have traveled to malarial areas.