Malaria is a serious problem in Africa. It does not have to be a problem for you as long as you are vigilant
about using your mosquito repellent and you take your malaria pills. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and is
more prevalent where there are high concentrations of people – i.e.: in towns. There are two main malaria
strains: Plasmodium vivax, falciparum (Vivax accounts for about 90% of the cases) the main points to
remember:
Prevent getting bitten! Use an effective prophylactic!
Insect repellent is the single most important line of defence. Make sure you bring enough of an effective
(preferably stick or lotion) repellent and that you use it liberally and frequently! You need to look for the active
ingredient (DEET) on the bottle.
Keep the mosquito nets in the tent closed at all times.
Wear long-shirts, socks/shoes and long-pants after dark. Most mosquito bites occur below the knee.
Malaria Prophylactics
Malaria prophylactics do not prevent Malaria, but do treat it if you come down with the disease. They also
prevent you from getting seriously ill. It is NOT true that Malaria cannot be cured.
You have 2 broad malaria prophylaxis choices:
Daily tablets: Doxycycline or Chloroquine & Paludrine combination pills
Weekly tablets: Larium, Mefliam, Mefloquine, Malarine.
Please note that the Chloriquine & Paludrine combination pills are virtually ineffective in East Africa due to their
widespread usage there in the past. We do not recommend that you take this type of prophylaxis unless you
are unable to take any of the others.
You may have heard negative reports about Larium and its side effects. However, it is 95% effective while the
daily tablets are only about 30% effective. Please consult your doctor before selecting your prophylaxis.
It is very important to begin taking your tablets one week before entering a malaria area, and for four weeks
after leaving, as this is the incubation period. For more information on Malaria, visit www.travelclinic.co.za