Health: Malaria

After dark in tropical and subtropical places, look out for mosquitoes - it's when the malaria-carrying variety makes its appearance. There's no reason why you should fall prey to mozzies. Just follow some basic rules.

Before you go

If you're holidaying in Africa, Asia or another malarial area, visit a travel health clinic or see your GP about getting an anti-malarial treatment that's right for you and your destination. In some parts of Africa, for instance, mosquitoes have learned to resist medications. The time of year may also affect which treatments to use.

Visit your GP at least two weeks before a trip, as some treatments begin a week before departure. Children will need their own course of tablets.

Reminders

• Take anti-malarial pills at the same time daily so they're not forgotten
• Anti-malarials aren't failsafe. Keep using insect repellent, preferably containing DEET
• Be extra vigilant around stagnant water, puddles and swamps as mozzies love them
• Don't be cavalier about getting bitten. You can get malaria from one mosquito bite
• You may need to take anti-malarials for several weeks after returning home

Warning signs

Fever is usually the first indication of malaria. It takes about a week after being bitten to develop. If you start to feel feverish in a malarial area or after leaving one, get medical help immediately. A blood test will confirm whether you have it. Also see a doctor if:

• You feel nauseous, develop a cough, start vomiting or have diarrhoea
• You have headaches and your muscles and joints ache
• You feel pain in your stomach and your skin looks jaundiced
• You start to feel "woolly-headed" and confused

Getting better

• Get plenty of rest if you think you have malaria
• Drink lots of water, regularly
• Get all the medical treatment you can. Malaria won't recur if treated properly

Special cases

Extra care should be taken with which anti-malarial tablets babies, children and pregnant women can take.

• Mefloquine shouldn't be given to babies less than three months old
• Doxycycline shouldn't be given to children under 12
• Children of all ages can take chloroquine, quinine and proguanil
• Chloroquine and proguanil are considered safe for pregnant women

The Travel Clinic is an online health advice service for travellers.:http://www.drwisetravel.com/malaria.html

The Medical Advice Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA): http://www.masta.org