What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life threating disease which is caused by a parasite. Malaria parasites are spread by misquotes bites, specifically the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Just one bite can cause an infection, which increases the risk. If Malaria is not treated quickly and early on it can result in death. Malaria can not be spread from any person to person contact. Malaria can also be spread to a mosquito from a human by an uninfected mosquito biting an untreated infected human, this further spreads the disease. Malaria can be caught by anyone but is most common in travellers. Symptoms include; fever, chills, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, headaches and generally feeling unwell. Untreated malaria may lead to symptoms lasting months and even years. Whereas treated malaria symptoms may only last a few days.

The disease is most commonly found in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The majority of Malaria cases are found in Africa, being responsible for 94% of cases and 95% of deaths worldwide according to WHO. The disease is less common in Southeast Asia where it only accounts for 1.5% of the same statistic with half of these cases being found in India. The disease is also found in Central and South America although it is much rarer. It is very rarely found in Europe and America although re-introduction is possible. The disease is so prevalent in these areas due to the parasites themselves being found more commonly in Africa, the weather and the volume of mosquitos.

How to prevent Malaria?

Preventing Malaria involves using antimalarial medicines, avoiding mosquito bites, reducing mosquito breeding and taking extra precautions. Antimalarial medicines are the most effective preventive measure, tablets such as malarone should be taken before, during and after travel to a high risk place. The tablets will help to prevent the disease and can also be used to treat it. Infection whilst using the tablets is very rare but is still possible. Avoiding mosquito bites is also an effective preventive measure. Using insect repellent on exposed skin will deter the mosquitos and wearing clothing that covers skin will also deter them. Using mosquito screens on windows and doors will help to prevent the mosquitos from entering the house and sleeping under a mosquito net will also protect you whilst you sleep. Reducing mosquito breeding is also a good way to prevent from developing the disease. Eliminating standing water where mosquitos lay eggs is a recommended precaution as well as using indoor sprays or pesticides. Travelers, pregnant women and young children should also take extra precautions and be more vigilant as they are more at risk to the disease.

Are there side effects of using antimalarial medication?

Antimalarial medication can cause some side effects but it does vary on the type of medication you take. As for Malarone, which is taken daily and well tolerated, it can cause; nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness and mild stomach pain. If you experience any severe side effects it is best to consult a doctor. However, there are measures you can take to prevent these side effects. Some preventive measures you can take are; taking medication with food or milk to reduce stomach pains, staying hydrated. It is also important to remember that the benefits of taking antimalarial medication far outweigh the side effects of taking them.

If you experience these or any other side effects after taking medication you should report it to your GP even if you are not certain that the vaccine caused it.

What does Antimalarial medication cost?

£3 per tablet (Malarone)

£2.50 per tablet (Generic)

£0.80 per tablet (Children)

Where would I need Antimalarial medication?

Africa
South Asia
Central and South America