Malaria
Malaria is a common and life threatening disease in the tropics that affects many international travellers each year. It is caused by a parasite introduced by the bite of an infected mosquito which normally feeds from sunset to sunrise. Symptoms will develop 8 days or more after the infected bite. Severe illness or death can occur within a few hours of the first symptom.
Signs and symptoms
Early symptoms include high temperature with shivering, headache, muscle ache and weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea. Malaria is a far more serious disease for young children and pregnant women. Prompt medical treatment can be life saving.
Prevention
Antimalarial tablets are recommended for at risk areas and the choice of drug will depend on your destination, medical history and budget.
| Antimalarial | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Malarone/MalaronePaediatric | Course to be started 1 day before entering risk area and continue to take 7 days after leaving risk area |
| Doxycycline | Course to be started 1 day before entering risk area and continue to take 28 days after leaving risk area |
| Mefloquine (Lariam) | 1-3 weeks before entering risk area and continue for 4 weeks after leaving risk area |
Bite Prevention using insect repellents, covering up with treated clothes and sleeping under a mosquito net are also essential to protect against Malaria and several other common tropical diseases spread by insect bites. We have a range of products in store to aid in bite prevention and keeping the insects away.
MAP OF RISK AREAS
Bristol
Bristol
BS6 6LD