QUESTION 4 years ago I traveled to FATA Pakistan and in every year in the month of August I caught malaria. Last few days I feel much Headache and fever in the evening and go to doctor. He diagnosed malarial parasites in blood and has advised me take tab artem ds 2 BD for three days after complete the course I feel same headache fever with shivering. Please recommend something. ANSWER I … [Read more...]
Malaria in Namibia
QUESTION could you please let me know, whether or not a malaria prophylaxe injection is necessary for a 3-weeks trip by car in Namibia, starting mid August. ANSWER It depends on where you are going in Namibia. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, malaria is transmitted in Namibia in the provinces of Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and … [Read more...]
Malaria Test – Can Malaria Return?
QUESTION I am working in Tanzania. I felt sick about 10 days ago and I went for a test for malaria and the test was positive. The doctor gave me some pills and said I must come back in one week for a test again. I went back and it was negative but now I don't feel too good. Is it possible for the malaria to come back after 10 days? ANSWER It is unlikely that the malaria has come back, and … [Read more...]
Untreated Malaria
QUESTION If I am infected with malaria and I get a wrong diagnosis and be treated for flu, can the other symptoms disappear but continue to experience severe headache especially on the right side temple and jawbone area combined with general weakness and numbness in the legs? ANSWER Certainly the symptoms of malaria can often be confused with other infections, including flu. Given that … [Read more...]
Severe Head Pain with Malaria
QUESTION Can severe head pain be a symptom of mistreated malaria? My son just returned from an 8 month trip to Ghana. He had malaria 3 times and typhoid 1 time. He is now dealing with a severe head pain in his frontal lobe. He took doxycycline every day and when he got really sick, he took Coartem. He was finally sent home because they couldn't figure out why he has such severe head pains. … [Read more...]
Malarone and Mefloquine for Malaria
QUESTION Which drug is better for kids for anti-malaria - Malarone or Mefloquine. I have heard about lot of side-effects of Mefloquine. So, which is a safer drug out of these two or is there any other drug with no side-effects? Is it important to take anti-malaria pills keeping in mind the side-effects? ANSWER Both drugs are considered safe for children, though Malarone … [Read more...]
Coartem Treatment
QUESTION my husband has been taking coartem for 3 days now. He was fine yesterday and then last night the symptoms re-appeared like it was day one. Can I carry on with coartem and start another course? Or shall I switch to something else ? If so, what? We live in zambia by the way. Thank you for your help. ANSWER If your husband still has strong symptoms after taking all doses of the … [Read more...]
Malaria Prophylaxis in Ghana, Africa
QUESTION My husband will be traveling to Ghana soon. We have Mefloquine and Primaquine. Which one do you think is best for prophylaxis in Ghana? He also has Fansidar, but we understand it's best not to use this for prophylaxis. Thank you for your help! ANSWER There are positives and negatives associated with both of these medications. Mefloquine is recommended for travelers in Ghana … [Read more...]
Affected by Lariam… How to Help?
QUESTION Five years ago my husband was working in Africa. To get protection against malaria, he took Lariam. Since then, he became strange, poor sleep, constant depression, insecurity and distrust, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, anger, strange behavior. I insisted to see a doctor, but he refuses, saying that this is the problem of diabetes (he has type 2 diabetes) and stress at … [Read more...]
Malaria Drugs Side Effects
QUESTION I was affected by malaria 5 months back. I am feeling tiered and weakness and heart trembling symptoms. Any suggestions to overcome weakness? ANSWER Your fatigue is probably not caused by the treatment—one of the potential residual effects of malaria infection is iron deficiency, which can lead to anaemia, and this can cause tiredness. Eating iron-rich foods or asking … [Read more...]