Malaria

General Information

Malaria is caused by one of four protozoan species of the genus Plasmodium: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. All are transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

General Advice

  • All travelers to malarious areas are advised to begin appropriate drug regimen before departure and to continue therapy as prescribed after leaving the area, to prevent malaria.
  • Regardless of the drug used, one can still contract malaria. Always use personal protection measures (see below)!
  • Individuals experiencing malaria symptoms should seek prompt medical attention. Delaying therapy can have serious or fatal results. Patients having symptoms should have blood smears as soon as possible to screen for malaria.

Personal Protection

  • Use insect repellent containing N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) on skin, preferably a product containing 30% concentration.
  • Use insect spray containing Pyrethrum (eg., RAID) in rooms.
  • Avoid rural areas after dark.
  • Use mosquito netting over bedding.
  • Wear clothing that covers most of the body (long-sleeved shirt and long pants).

Recent Prophylaxis Update

CHLOROQUINE may be used in only a few countries with sensitive strains of falciparum malaria, or those countries exclusively infected with vivax strains (Central America west of the Panama Canal, Hispaniola, Egypt, the Middle East, Syria and Turkey). MEFLOQUINE or DOXYCYCLINE or MALARONE™ are to be used in all other countries. Known side effects which tend to be transient are gastrointestinal disturbances and dizziness.

Contraindications to Mefloquine use

  • Beta blocking drugs, quinine or quinidine
  • Pregnancy
  • Any drug causing prolonged cardiac conduction
  • History of epilepsy or psychiatric disorders
  • Persons performing tasks requiring fine motor coordination (eg., airplane pilots)

Make your appointment at the SHS Travel Clinic by calling (858) 534-8089.