Malaria

Malaria is an indiscriminate and dangerous disease. It is prevalent in South Asia, South America and many African Countries south of the Sahara Desert. It is important to know which countries are affected to ensure you take the necessary precautions to prevent malaria. The NHS Fit for Travel website provides in-depth information and a breakdown of the treatment required for any country you may visit. It is essential to research the treatment, if any, required for the country you are visiting. Alternatively, our Doctors can help if any antimalarials are suitable.

About Malaria

Malaria is a parasite which is transmitted by the female Anopheles Mosquito. Transmission occurs when the mosquito feeds on the blood of a person infected with the disease, which draws Malaria particles. The malaria particles are passed through to the bitten person when the mosquito next feeds.

It can have serious consequences for your health and can prove fatal; however, it is highly treatable if caught early, and treatment regimes are highly successful. Therefore, it is essential to understand and apply the necessary precautions to prevent malaria. 

There are many strains of the Malaria parasite which affect different regions. It is recommended to research which areas are affected and to determine the most suitable treatments. You can view this on the NHS Fit for Travel guide here.

The most common strain is Plasmodium Falciparum, which is the most serious and life-threatening strain. The other strains are Plasmodium Vivax, Ovale, Malariae, and Knowlesi, which are mainly present in the Asia-Pacific region.

Some treatments containing Avloclor (Chloroquine) should not be used in areas where chloroquine resistance is present. In these instances, Doxycycline, Malarone or Maloff Protect is given.

There are many factors which contribute to the prevention of Malaria. Treatment alone is not a guaranteed way to gain protection, as it provides approximately 90% effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to take both prophylactic treatment and to protect against Bites.

Treatment Choice and Malaria Risk Awareness

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the prevention of malaria; however, multiple Antimalarial tablets are available.

The use of a specific antimalarial is region-dependent. As there are too many countries and variants to list here, it is important to visit the NHS Fit for Travel guide to find out the treatment for your destination.

If you are returning to an endemic area where you once lived, your natural protection will have diminished, and antimalarials may be required.

For adults, the following treatments do not need to be reviewed by a Doctor. If you also require tablets for those under 18, the order will be passed on to the Doctor to ensure the chosen treatment is safe and effective.

• Malarone/Maloff Protect (Atovaquone 250 mg and Proguanil 100 mg)
• Avloclor/Paludrine (Chloroquine 250 mg/ Proguanil 100 mg) Travel Pack

The following treatments require a prescription to be purchased. A brief consultation with a doctor is required to determine suitability.

• Doxycycline
• Larium (Mefloquine)

It is highly recommended to obtain tablets at least a week before departure, as all treatment regimens should be started before entering the endemic area

Bite protection

As mentioned above, prophylaxis is not 100% effective; therefore, it is essential to be aware of the risk and implement measures to protect against bites. We understand that there is no surefire way to prevent bites completely. However, ample advice is given below, which can also be found on the NHS website. Our Doctors are on hand to provide expert one-to-one advice should you require it.

• Use insecticides or DEET (Diethyltoluamide) spray, lotion or roll-ons containing at least 10-20% on exposed skin. The spray can be used on thin clothes, as Mosquitoes can pierce clothing. It can be used on Adults and children over 2 months old and is suitable for use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• DEET-containing formulations can be used after applying adequate Sunscreen.
• It is recommended to wear long-sleeved trousers and shirts to minimise exposed skin, especially after Dusk and in the evening. You can also apply DEET, as alluded to above.
• Stay in a place with effective air conditioning and adequate screening on doors and windows.
• Close windows after Sunset and at Night, as Mosquitoes generally like to feed at this time.
• Sleep under an intact DEET/insecticide-laced net.
• The NHS states that Vitamin B, electronic or ultrasound devices, or various oils are ineffective.
• Routine Spraying of Insecticides indoors can be a highly effective deterrent.

Further Information and Advice

Pregnancy

It is not recommended to travel to endemic areas if you are pregnant, as there is a greater risk of contracting malaria. Your child is also at risk as the malaria parasite infects the blood and can pass through to the child in the womb.

Children

There are doses and preparations available to treat the entire family. If you are purchasing medication for children, then please inform our Doctor, who will ensure it is safe and suitable.

Other Medications

Certain medications, such as anticoagulants or contraceptives, should not be taken with antimalarials. It is important to know which Malaria treatments are suitable for you. You can view the information under each product or contact a Doctor.

Other Conditions

Conditions such as epilepsy and Liver/Kidney issues can alter which tablets are suitable for you. We kindly request that you disclose all information regarding any pre-existing medical conditions and treatments, including herbal remedies, to our Doctor. We want you to be safe, and our Doctors will provide expert one-to-one confidential consultations. You can be assured that any information provided is confidential and will not be shared.

Returning from malaria-infested destinations

It is important to inform your doctor if you are ill within the year after returning from the endemic area, especially within the first three months. Any illness, even a cold or flu, must be promptly reported to a doctor.

When to seek medical advice

The most serious forms of malaria can manifest between 6 and 30 days of exposure. If you experience any of the following, seek medical assistance immediately:-

• Fever
• Shivering and Sweating
• Muscle Pains
• Vomiting
• Headaches

Ordering your treatment

We offer a variety of prophylactic malaria treatments. It is important to view the NHS guide to find the treatment required for your destination. Select the required treatment, complete the medical form, and our Doctor or Pharmacist will review your order.

If approved before 3pm, our UK-registered Pharmacy can prepare and dispatch your order for next-day delivery.

References

More about Malaria symptoms, causes and prevention methods from the NHS