BHI Travel Health Cork

Malaria

The risk of malaria

Malaria is parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The incubation period tends to be at least one to two weeks. Patients present with flu symptoms (headache, fever. sweating, shivering etc.) Any patient that presents with the flu-like symptoms (within a year of exposure) should be considered as possible malaria.

Remember, Malaria is a serious disease which can rapidly kill.

The malaria life cycle

The Malaria Life Cycle

Protecting yourself from malaria

It is important to note that none of the tablets give full protection. All tablets need to be taken regularly some time before exposure, while at risk and for four weeks after exposure:

  • Chloroquine (taken each week)
  • Chloroquine & Paludrine (taken daily & weekly)
  • Mefloquine (Lariam) (taken each week)
  • Doxycycline (taken each day)