Malaria Vaccine

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease, transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito occcurring in many tropical regions of the world.

Malaria is a potentially serious parasitic infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In humans the disease is caused by five different species of the Plasmodium parasite. Malaria is widely distributed throughout tropical regions of the world including in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Oceania. Malaria is preventable and curable if diagnosed and treated promptly.

Symptoms

The symptoms of malaria vary but typically include: fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Cough and diarrhoea may also occur. Malaria from all species can be disabling however malaria caused by the species Plasmodium falciparum can progress rapidly and cause life- threatening complications if prompt treatment is not given.

Prevention

Prevention of malaria involves several steps. These steps can be remembered as the A, B, C, D of malaria prevention:

• Awareness of the risk.
• Bite prevention (particularly at night time).
• Chemoprophylaxis (use of appropriate malaria prevention tablets).

Diagnosis (Prompt Diagnosis And Treatment)

Choice of malaria prevention tablets depends on the malaria species common in the area to be visited and whether there is resistance to any of the available drugs. Certain drugs may not be suitable for certain individuals due to existing medical problems or interactions with their regular medication. Our specialist pharmacist will provide country-specific information on malaria prevention medication.

All travellers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of malaria and should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if these occur either whilst abroad or up to a year after their return.