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​Malaria tablets

Introduction 

​Malaria is a parasite infection that is transmitted by the bite of female mosquitoes. The parasites are microscopic and exist in different forms within the mosquito and human; their life cycle is complex.
Symptoms usually include fever, shivering and sweating; muscle pains, headache and vomiting are common.

• Symptoms are often described as ‘flu-like’ and can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms. 
• Symptoms can be vague, especially in children who may simply be ‘out of sorts’. 

Infection can be severe and rapidly fatal if treatment is not started quickly. It is vital that treatment is commenced promptly.
You cannot be vaccinated against malaria, but you can protect yourself against this disease using the A, B, C, D approach to prevention as follows:

Awareness of risk 

​Malaria is widespread in many tropical and subtropical countries. Find out if there is a risk of malaria in the country you intend to visit by accessing country specific malaria information and malaria maps via our Destinations section. Note that the risk of malaria can vary between and within countries and depending on the time of year you are travelling.

Treatment 

Treating malariaIf malaria is diagnosed and treated promptly, virtually everyone will make a full recovery. Treatment should be started as soon as the diagnosis has been confirmed.
Antimalarial medication is used to both treat and prevent malaria. Which type of medication is used and the length of treatment will depend on:

• the type of malaria
• the severity of your symptoms
• where you caught malaria
• whether you took an antimalarial to prevent malaria 
• whether you're pregnant

In some cases, you may be prescribed emergency standby treatment for malaria before you travel. This is usually if there's a risk of you becoming infected with malaria while travelling in a remote area with little or no access to medical care.

Bite Prevention 

​Mosquito bite avoidance is essential; reducing the number of bites you receive reduces the chance of infection developing. Take practical measures to avoid mosquito bites:

• avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes that transmit malaria typically bite after sunset, however, day biting mosquitoes transmit other diseases, bite avoidance should therefore be practiced at all times
• wearing loose long-sleeved clothing and long trousers can help prevent bites
• mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spray an insecticide or repellent on them. Insect repellents should also be used on exposed skin
• spraying insecticides in the room, burning pyrethroid coils and heating insecticide impregnated tablets all help to control mosquitoes
• if sleeping in an unscreened room, or out of doors, a mosquito net impregnated with insecticide is a sensible precaution. Portable, lightweight nets are available
• garlic, vitamin B and ultrasound devices do not prevent bites

Information for travellers 

Malaria is found in more than 100 countries, mainly in tropical regions of the world, including:

• large areas of Africa and Asia
• Central and South America
• Haiti and the Dominican Republic
• parts of the Middle East
• some Pacific islands

Malaria is not found in the UK – it may be diagnosed in travellers who return to the UK from risk areas.