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Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria is transmitted by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Incubation period range from1 to 4 weeks.
Symptoms include fever, chills and rigors.
3 main types of effective prophylaxis are available from UHC:
| DRUG |
DOSING SCHEDULE |
POSITIVE |
NEGATIVE |
| Mefloquine (Lariam) |
1 tab per week, beginning 2 weeks before departure and continue for 4 weeks after leaving endemic area |
Weekly dosing, reasonable price |
Neuropsychiatric side effects |
| Doxycycline |
1 tab daily, beginning 1 day before departure and continue for 4 weeks after leaving endemic area |
Cheap price |
Daily dosing.
Side effects of vaginal thrush, photosensitivity, esophagitis |
Atovaquone/
proguanil (Malarone) |
1 tab daily beginning 1 day before departure and continue for 7 days after leaving endemic area |
Few side effects, short duration of intake |
Expensive, daily dosing |
General Advice for Prevention of Malaria
• Stay indoors between dusk and dawn as this is when the female anopheles mosquito is active
• Wear long sleeved and light coloured clothing
• Use mosquito repellent containing 10% to 30% DEET
• Consider treating clothes with permethrin-based products
• Sleep under impregnated mosquito netting or in well screened air-conditioned rooms
For locations at risk of malaria, please refer to Medical Prevention for Travellers.
| The above schedules are only for prevention of malaria. The schedule for treatment of malaria is different. All cases of suspected malaria should be treated in hospital. |
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