Malaria is a serious disease, which is spread by the female mosquitoes (anopheles) who have the plasmodium parasite in their saliva, from previously biting an infected person. The parasite is passed into the body through a mosquito bite. Malaria is widespread in many tropical and subtropical countries, there is no vaccination, so it is highly recommended that you take malaria tablets if you are visiting an area at risk. Malaria can be treated, but certain types of the disease can recur, therefore it can adversely affect you throughout your lifetime. This is why prevention is so important if you are travelling to a malaria risk area.
Symptoms of Malaria
Malaria symptoms are similar to flu:
✅High fever
✅Chills
✅Sweats
✅Vomiting
✅Muscle pains
✅Diarrhoea
✅Headaches.
You should seek medical help immediately if you think you have malaria, whether this is during your trip or for a year after a visit to a malaria area. Malaria can be treated, but it may recur.
Prevention of malaria involves several steps. These steps can be remembered as the A, B, C, D of malaria prevention:
✔️Awareness of the risk
✔️Bite prevention (particularly at night time)
✔️Chemoprophylaxis (use of appropriate malaria prevention tablets)
✔️Diagnosis Seek immediate attention if you have symptoms
Treatment
Treatment is dependent according to the area being visited and current guidelines for malaria prophylaxis for that region.
Malaria tablets work to kill the parasite and should be taken before, during, and after a trip where you may be at risk of catching it. They can prevent malaria, reducing the risk of catching it by 90% or more.
Malaria tablets are mainly used as a prevention strategy, meaning you start taking them before you reach your travel destination. This means if you were to come into contact with the parasite, your malaria tablets should stop you getting the disease.
If you’re planning on visiting a destination which has a high risk of malaria and require advice or a prescription for prophylactic treatment, then our clinicians maybe able to help. Fill in the e-consultation form and you will be contacted for a consultation.