Prevention of Malaria

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Prevention is the key to stopping the spread of malaria. The same drugs that are used to treat the disease can also be used to prevent it for travellers to or from at-risk countries. Anti-malarial drugs are usually taken for a prescribed length of time, depending on the type of drug and the area to be visited. A table of immunisation requirements for individual countries can be found on the Department of Health website- see Selected Links.

Typically the drugs are taken in pill form around one week before the trip, during the trip and for up to one month after the trip. These times will vary according to the type of pill. The pills are best taken with meals in order to minimise side effects.

No anti-malarial drugs are 100% effective so it is wise to take a number of sensible precautions to reduce the risk of contracting malaria such as:

Take anti-malarial drugs exactly as and when prescribed and do not miss any doses.
Use insect repellent on skin and in sleeping environments. The most effective repellents contain diethyltoluamide (DEET). Insect repellents are available in a variety of forms including, sprays, roll-ons, sticks, plug-in devices and creams. Sun protection lotions are also available with integrated insect repellents.
Wear trousers with long legs and shirts or tops with long sleeves. This is especially important during early evening and night time as this is the mosquitoes preferred feeding time.
Stay in accommodation that has screen doors and closing windows. In addition, or if this is not possible, sleep under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide.