Malaria Prevention: Your Complete Guide Before Travelling
Malaria remains one of the most serious health risks for travellers. Learn about prevention, antimalarial medications, and how Pulteney Pharmacy can help protect you.
Malaria Prevention: Your Complete Guide Before Travelling
Malaria remains one of the most serious health risks for travellers visiting tropical and subtropical regions. Each year, thousands of UK travellers contract malaria abroad, with some cases proving fatal. The good news? Malaria is entirely preventable with the right precautions.
At Pulteney Pharmacy in Bath, we provide comprehensive malaria prevention consultations, antimalarial prescriptions, and bite prevention advice tailored to your specific destination.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Unlike Aedes mosquitoes (which spread Dengue and Zika), Anopheles mosquitoes typically bite between dusk and dawn.
Symptoms of Malaria
Symptoms usually appear 7-18 days after infection but can sometimes take up to a year to develop. Watch for:
- High fever and sweats
- Chills and shaking
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- General fatigue and weakness
Warning: Malaria can progress rapidly from mild symptoms to life-threatening illness within 24-48 hours. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop a fever during or after travel to a malaria zone.
High-Risk Destinations
Malaria is found in over 100 countries, primarily in:
- Sub-Saharan Africa (highest risk)
- South and Southeast Asia
- Central and South America
- The Middle East
- Pacific Islands
Risk varies significantly by region, season, and even altitude. Our pharmacists use up-to-date NaTHNaC guidance to assess your specific itinerary.
Antimalarial Medications We Offer
At Pulteney Pharmacy, we prescribe the following antimalarials based on your destination, health history, and preferences:
Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)
- Dosage: One tablet daily
- Start: 1-2 days before travel
- Continue: 7 days after leaving malaria zone
- Benefits: Short course after travel, well-tolerated
- Considerations: Higher cost, take with food
Doxycycline
- Dosage: One capsule daily
- Start: 1-2 days before travel
- Continue: 28 days after leaving malaria zone
- Benefits: Most affordable option, also protects against some other infections
- Considerations: Sun sensitivity, not suitable during pregnancy
Mefloquine (Lariam)
- Dosage: One tablet weekly
- Start: 2-3 weeks before travel
- Continue: 4 weeks after leaving malaria zone
- Benefits: Weekly dosing, suitable for long trips
- Considerations: Not suitable for those with mental health conditions
The ABCD of Malaria Prevention
A - Awareness of Risk
Know before you go. Research your destination and understand the malaria risk in specific areas you'll visit.
B - Bite Prevention
Mosquitoes can't transmit malaria if they don't bite you:
- Use insect repellent containing 50% DEET
- Sleep under impregnated bed nets
- Wear long sleeves and trousers after dusk
- Use air conditioning or fans where possible
- Treat clothing with permethrin
C - Chemoprophylaxis (Antimalarials)
Take your prescribed antimalarials exactly as directed. Missing doses significantly reduces protection.
D - Diagnosis
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever during or within a year of returning from a malaria zone. Always mention your travel history.
Book Your Malaria Consultation
Don't leave your health to chance. Book a travel health consultation at Pulteney Pharmacy at least 4-6 weeks before departure.
š Call us on 01225 466454 (Great Pulteney Street) š Visit us at 35 Great Pulteney St, Bath BA2 4BY
Travel safely. Travel prepared.