Malaria is a serious infectious disease that has been known for centuries. Caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria continues to affect millions of people worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Although preventable and treatable, malaria remains a major cause of illness and death, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America.
The disease presents symptoms that often resemble common illnesses such as flu, making early identification challenging.
Fever, chills, headache, and fatigue are among the first signs of malaria. Such symptoms typically appear 10 to 15 days after an infected mosquito bite. If not detected and treated promptly, the disease can progress to more severe forms, leading to life-threatening complications.
Travel malaria prophylaxis
Thanks to medical advances, malaria is now fully treatable. However, the key to successful outcomes lies in early diagnosis and appropriate care. Early treatment can completely cure the infection and prevent the potentially devastating consequences of the disease.
Understanding the basics of malaria—its causes, symptoms, and treatment options—is essential for both travelers and residents in high-risk areas. By staying informed, individuals can take proactive measures to protect themselves and others from this life-threatening disease.
Business travelers heading to malaria-endemic areas often underestimate the associated risks. However, informing employees about malaria risks is a critical aspect of an employer’s duty of care, as outlined in risk assessment guidelines.
Find more on the evaluation and treatment of travel risks in our guide on how to structure a corporate travel policy.
To mitigate these risks, companies should support their employees by promoting the adoption of malaria prophylaxis and providing adequate information to ensure their health and the continuity of operations during international assignments.
If you are looking for more information on the main vaccines needed for overseas travel, read our article on travel vaccines.
Where are high risk malaria areas?
Malaria is a global health problem, but its prevalence is not uniform worldwide. Some regions have a much higher risk of transmission, making targeted prevention efforts essential.
Malaria risk is particularly high for business travelers in tropical and subtropical regions, as warm and humid climates create favorable environments for mosquitoes to thrive.
High-risk areas include large parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central and South America, and Oceania. Travelers to these regions must be especially vigilant, as the risk of exposure is significantly higher.
Several factors contribute to the risk of malaria. Environmental conditions, such as stagnant water, dense vegetation, and high temperatures, facilitate the proliferation of mosquitoes. Individual risk is also influenced by travelers’ activities, length of stay, and housing standards. Those who spend significant time outdoors or in rural areas without protective measures are at greater risk.
Where to get malaria prophylaxis?
Travel malaria prophylaxis can be prescribed by clinics specializing in travel medicine or by consulting a primary care physician. Specific recommendations will depend on the travel destination and individual health conditions.Â
What does malaria prophylaxis consist of?
Malaria prophylaxis is a preventive treatment aimed at reducing the risk of contracting malaria during travel to high-risk areas. It typically involves taking specific medications before, during, and after visiting regions where malaria is endemic. While prophylaxis does not offer absolute protection, it significantly reduces the likelihood of developing the disease when combined with other preventive measures, such as insect repellents and mosquito nets.
What is the best malaria prophylaxis?
There is no universal “best” prophylaxis. The choice of medication depends on various factors, including:
- destination;
- travel duration;
- traveler health;
- any contraindications to specific drugs.
Common options include chloroquine, mefloquine, doxycycline, and atovaquone-proguanil. Each has its benefits and limitations based on geographic regions and individual conditions. Consulting a doctor is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Who prescribes malaria prophylaxis?
Travel malaria prophylaxis is prescribed by a physician, which could be a general practitioner, tropical medicine specialist, or a travel medicine center.
These professionals assess the risks based on the travel destination, length of stay, and health condition of the traveler. It is important to consult a doctor well in advance of departure to ensure sufficient time to begin preventive treatment and follow specific instructions regarding prophylaxis.
When to start travel malaria prophylaxis?
Malaria prophylaxis should typically begin 1–2 weeks before departure, depending on the prescribed medication. Some drugs take longer to reach effective levels in the bloodstream. It is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions and complete the entire course, including the post-trip phase, to ensure maximum protection.
How long does the effect of malaria prophylaxis last?
The duration of the effect of travel malaria prophylaxis depends on the drug used and the doctor’s specific instructions. In general, the effectiveness of prophylaxis lasts for as long as you are in an area at risk, but protection continues for several days after your return. For example, drugs such as mefloquine and atovaquone-proguanil require to be taken during the stay and for 7 days after return, while doxycycline must be continued for 4 weeks after travel.
How much does it cost to get malaria prophylaxis?
The cost of malaria prophylaxis can vary significantly depending on the drug prescribed, the duration of treatment, and the country or health facility where it is purchased.
Here is a rough estimate of costs:
- Atovaquone–proguanil (Malarone): can cost between €4 and €10 per day, so for a 1-2 week course it can cost between €56 and €140.
- Mefloquine (Lariam): generally cheaper, costing between €2 and €4 per tablet, with a total cost that can be between €20 and €40 for the entire cycle.
- Doxycycline: one of the cheapest drugs, costing between €2 and €3 per pill pack. A full treatment can cost €10-20 for a prophylaxis cycle.
- Chloroquine: also an inexpensive choice, with a cost ranging from €1 to €3 per tablet. Full treatment can cost €10-30.
In addition, some costs may result from doctor visits for prescriptions, consultations in travel medicine centers, or prescription drugs that may not be covered by health insurance
Support from Studio A&P
Given that malaria risk varies by region and health regulations may change over time, staying informed about the latest requirements is essential.
To make sure that you are always informed and to protect your employees in the best possible way, Studio A&P’s Risk Assessment team can check any health obligations before you travel so as to provide you with complete and up-to-date information.
Find more on our Risk Assessment services in our travel risk management service page.