Malaria Prophylaxis

Malaria prevention is an essential part of planning any trip to a malaria-risk region in Africa, Asia or South America. At Salutem Clinic in Ovens we provide tailored malaria prophylaxis advice and prescriptions, alongside guidance on mosquito bite prevention, based on your destination, medical history and planned activities.

What is malaria?

Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is widespread in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Central and South America and Oceania. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and diarrhoea. Severe malaria can develop rapidly and needs urgent treatment.

There is no routine malaria vaccine for travellers, so prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites and taking preventive medication.

Why is prevention important for travellers?

• Malaria can occur after very short exposure
• Symptoms may develop weeks after travel, including after you get home
• Some forms of malaria can be rapidly fatal without prompt treatment

Preventive tablets greatly reduce the risk of severe disease but do not give complete protection.

Choosing your malaria tablets

The most appropriate medication depends on:

• Destination and local resistance patterns
• Age and body weight
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Medical history
• Planned activities (e.g. diving, sun exposure)

In practice, Malarone® is often preferred because it is well tolerated, convenient, and suitable for most travellers.

Options at a glance

Malarone® (atovaquone / proguanil)

Commonly recommended because it has a low rate of side effects, can be used for diving and adventure travel, does not cause sun sensitivity, suits last-minute travel, and only needs 7 days of tablets after leaving the risk area. Take it with food or milk.

Doxycycline

A useful alternative where there is resistance to other medicines, where extra protection against other infections is helpful, or where cost matters. It causes sun sensitivity, so it is less suitable for sun-intensive trips. Practical advice:

• Take with a full glass of water
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it
• Avoid taking it just before bedtime

These steps reduce the risk of oesophagitis (irritation of the food pipe).

Mefloquine (Lariam®)

Taken weekly, which some long-term travellers prefer, and can be considered in pregnancy if travel to a malaria area is unavoidable. It must be started 2–3 weeks before travel and is avoided in anyone with a history of mental health conditions or epilepsy, and for diving or safety-critical activities.

Mosquito bite avoidance — essential for everyone

Tablets must always be combined with bite prevention:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET (20–50%)
• Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening
• Sleep in air-conditioned or screened accommodation
• Use mosquito nets if needed

When to seek medical help

Key points

• Malaria is a medical emergency
• Preventive tablets reduce the risk but do not give complete protection
• Malarone® is often preferred for tolerability and convenience
• Mosquito avoidance is essential
• Fever after travel needs urgent medical assessment

Further reading (TravelHealthPro)

TravelHealthPro is the UK’s official travel health website, run by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) for the UK Health Security Agency. It is the source we use for vaccine and malaria recommendations.

• Malaria factsheet
• UK malaria prevention guidelines
• Insect and tick bite avoidance factsheet
• Country information — vaccine and malaria recommendations for every destination
• All TravelHealthPro factsheets

See also: Travel Clinic · Vaccinations · Fees