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
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)