B: avoid mosquito Bites by taking appropriate measures. Reducing the number of Bites reduces the chances of getting malaria. NO BITE NO MALARIA
C: Comply with the appropriate prophylactic drug regimen for the area you are visiting. This is vitally important since failure to comply places you at great risk. Studies have shown that there is a reduced risk of contracting malaria even if you take the wrong regimen.
D: early Diagnosis of malaria if symptoms manifest following travel to a malarious region is vital. Malaria can be fatal but early diagnosis and treatment is usually 100% effective. If you develop the following symptoms within a year after leaving an area prone to malaria: fever, headache, chills, nausea, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea. Tell your doctor that you were in a malaria prone area.
Malaria can be cured with prescription drugs. The type of drugs and length of treatment depend on which kind of malaria is diagnosed, where the patient was infected, the age of the patient, and how severely ill the patient was at start of treatment.
The tablets you require depend on the country to which you are travelling (see the table page). Start taking the tablets before travel take them absolutely regularly during your stay, preferably with or after a meal and continue to take them after you have returned. This is extremely important to cover the incubation period of the disease.
Prompt Treatment
If you develop a fever between one week after first exposure and up to two years after your return, you should seek medical attention and inform the doctor that you have been in a malarious area.
Anyone with suspected malaria should be treated under medical supervision as soon as possible. If malaria is diagnosed then treatment is a matter of urgency. Treatment should not normally be carried out by unqualified persons.
Malarone is a relatively new treatment and is virtually free of side effects. It is licensed for use in stays of up to 28 days but there is now experience of it being taken safely for up to three months.
No other tablets are required with mefloquine or doxycycline or Malarone.
Remember: - No prophylaxis is 100% effective but not taking anti-malarials where they are indicated will put you at greater risk should you get the disease.
Remember - Malaria is a killer!
NO BITE NO MALARIA
