Green Light Pharmacy - Travel Health Service

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The UK is one of the biggest importers of malaria amongst industrialised countries. There are on average 2000 cases of malaria annually, of which nine cases are fatal - all potentially avoidable. It is due to the infection of red blood cells with a parasite.

It Only Takes One Bite.

British travellers are travelling more (150% increase over last 10 years) to malarious destinations. The mosquito doesn't differentiate between say hostels and 5-star hotels. Even if you born or lived previously in the malarial country, on return from living in the UK, you will not be immune.

It's as simple as
A - Awareness and Advice
B - Bite Prevention
C - Chemoprophylaxis (malaria tablets)
D - Diagnosis (go to see doctor on return if any concerns)

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bite, and as there is no vaccination available - prevention is achieved through malaria prophylaxis tablets and bite avoidance. Do NOT rely on homeopathic or natural antimalarial treatments.

Bite avoidance can be achieved by -

• Using a good quality insect repellant - like one containing DEET
• Covering up - especially after dusk until dawn
• Sleep under a mosquito net
• Wearing light, loose clothing that covers as much as possible eg arms and legs
• use plug-in vapourisers or burning coils to keep insects away
• Consider taking Vitamin B1 - 1g per day starting two weeks before - as the smell in your sweat discourages insects biting (not strong evidence)

On your return from a malaria area, continue taking the malarial medication as advised to ensure you have cover, and if you experience any high fever in the next two years, go and see your doctor and mention you have traveled to malarial areas.

Malaria Prophylaxis

Regimen	Usual Adult Dose
Areas of Chloroquine resistant P. falciparum
Mefloquine	1 X 250mg weekly
Doxycycline	1 X 100mg daily
Atovaquone-Proguanil	1 X daily combined 250mg/100mg tab
Areas of little chloroquine resistance; poorly effective where extensive resistance.
Chloroquine plus proguanil	2 X 150mg base weekly plus 2 X 100mg daily
Areas without drug resistance
Chloroquine	2 X 150mg base weekly
Proguanil	2 X 100mg daily