Malaria: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatments for Travellers
Travelling abroad can be exciting, but if you’re visiting certain parts of the world, malaria is a serious health risk you should not ignore. Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease spread by infected mosquitoes, most commonly in tropical and subtropical regions.
In this guide, we explain what malaria is, how to protect yourself, the most common symptoms, and which antimalarial medicines may be prescribed to help keep you safe while travelling.
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito. Once in the body, the parasite travels to the liver and then infects red blood cells. Without prompt treatment, malaria can become severe and lead to serious complications.
Malaria is most commonly found in parts of:
-
Sub-Saharan Africa
-
South and Central America
-
South Asia and Southeast Asia
-
Some areas of the Middle East and Oceania
If you are travelling to a malaria-risk country, protecting yourself is essential.
Why Malaria Prevention Is Important When Travelling
There is currently no complete immunity or guaranteed protection against malaria. However, the risk can be significantly reduced by:
-
Taking the correct antimalarial medication
-
Preventing mosquito bites
-
Being aware of early symptoms
Always seek professional advice before departure to ensure the most suitable medication is selected for your destination, health conditions and travel plans.
Common Antimalarial Medications
Different areas of the world have different levels of malaria resistance, so the best medication depends on where you are travelling. Common antimalarial medicines include:
-
Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) – Often well tolerated and taken daily
-
Doxycycline – Also taken daily but may cause sun sensitivity
-
Mefloquine (Lariam) – Taken weekly, but not suitable for everyone
-
Chloroquine – Used in limited areas where resistance is low
Our pharmacists can assess your travel destination and medical history to recommend the most suitable treatment. Click here to book your malaria consultation with us.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Medication alone is not enough. Reducing mosquito exposure plays a vital role in malaria prevention.
Simple steps include:
-
Using insect repellent containing
-
Wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially in the evening
-
Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
-
Using air conditioning or window screens where available
-
Avoiding stagnant water areas when possible
Combining bite prevention with medication provides the best protection.
Malaria Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms usually appear between 7–18 days after infection, but can sometimes occur weeks or months later. Common symptoms include:
-
Fever and chills
-
Headaches
-
Muscle aches and fatigue
-
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
-
Sweating and flu-like symptoms
-
Yellowing of the skin or eyes in severe cases
If you develop any symptoms during or after travel to a malaria-risk area, seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare professionals about your recent travel history.
Stay Protected with Prescriptions Direct Pharmacy
At Prescriptions Direct Pharmacy, we support safe travel by providing professional guidance on prescription medications and healthcare needs. If you require advice about malaria prevention or treatments, our pharmacy team is here to help. Book your malaria prevention consultation today and travel with confidence.
Your health matters. Plan ahead, stay protected, and travel safely.