QUESTION We fly to Borneo tomorrow and have been very stupid not thinking about Malaria medication. Can someone quickly tell if I should take medication when there and also what type would be best to take? Thank you for your help. ANSWER Yes! Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for trips to Indonesian Borneo, particularly rural areas. Recommended forms of prophylaxis are Malarone … [Read more...]
How to Protect from Malaria
QUESTION How can I protect my body from malaria? ANSWER There are a number of ways to prevent malaria. These can be placed into two categories: medication and vector protection. For medication, there are drugs you can take to prevent the malaria parasite from developing after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. These drugs are known as "chemoprophylaxis". There are several … [Read more...]
Paludrine/Avloclor Anti Malaria Travel Pack
QUESTION Is this anti malaria travel pack suitable for Borneo? ANSWER This kit is NOT appropriate for preventing malaria in Borneo. Avloclor contain chloroquine phosphate, and some types of malaria present in Borneo are resistant to chloroquine. The CDC recommends that travelers to Malaysian or Indonesian Borneo should use atovaquone-proguanil (Paludrine contains proguanil, but the … [Read more...]
Malaria Prophylaxis in Pakistan
QUESTION Do I need antimalarials if i am returning to my home country in pakistan after two years? ANSWER That depends on where you will be going in Pakistan and how long you are planning on staying. Malaria is a risk at all areas under 2,500m of altitude. However, antimalarials are not recommended to be taken on a long-term basis, so if you are relocating home permanently and will be in … [Read more...]
Is malaria a problem for a tourist in Guyana?
QUESTION Is malaria a problem for a tourist to Guyana? ANSWER Yes, malaria is something you should be aware of when travelling to Guyana. Transmission occurs in all areas under 900m in Guyana, including Georgetown. If you are visiting these areas, you should consider taking prophylactic medication to prevent malaria, such as atovaquone-proguanil (sold as Malarone), doxycycline or … [Read more...]
Malaria in Namibia or South Africa
QUESTION Is there a risk of catching malaria in Namibia or South Africa ANSWER Yes. According to the CDC, malaria is present in the following areas of Namibia: Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and Otjozondjupa and the Caprivi Strip. In addition, malaria is present in South Africa in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal Province as far south as the Tugela River, … [Read more...]
Are Anti-malaria pills necessary if no mosquito bites?
QUESTION We had a weekend in the Kruger Park and all of us took anti malaria pills beforehand. None of us was bitten or even saw a mosquito, do we need to carry on taking them for so long? ANSWER Since you say "so long", I assume you are either taking doxycycline or Lariam, both of which are taken for four weeks after leaving the malarial area. Unless you are experiencing severe side … [Read more...]
Post-infection Malaria Medication
QUESTION My daughter has recently returned from a trip to Borneo. Even with aggressive preventive anti-mosquito behaviour (long sleeves/pants, deet applications and mosquito netting) but not anti-malarial medication, she received over 30 bites. She is now exhibiting some symptoms (body aches, headache and severe fatigue). She has an appointment at the doctors in 2 days time. Is there some kind … [Read more...]
Malaria in Haiti
QUESTION I just recently returned from Senegal, 60 days ago, in which I had taken Malaria medicine; Chloroquine. I am heading to Haiti in 5 days, and wondering if I am in need of taking Malaria medicine again, or was the time frame close enough that it would be fine to go without. ANSWER You are only protected against malaria while you are taking the anti-malarial prophylactic medicine. … [Read more...]
Prevention of Malaria
QUESTION How do I prevent malaria? ANSWER There are a number of ways to prevent malaria. These can be placed into two categories: medication and vector protection. For medication, there are drugs you can take to prevent the malaria parasite from developing after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. These drugs are known as "chemoprophylaxis". There are several different kinds, … [Read more...]