Malaria

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms can appear within 7–30 days of infection and may range from mild to severe.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• In severe cases, anaemia, organ complications, or cerebral malaria

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to prevent serious complications.

Malaria prevention is recommended for travellers who are:

• Visiting regions where malaria is present, particularly in Africa, Asia, South America, and some Pacific islands
• Planning extended stays in rural or forested areas
• Engaging in outdoor or night-time activities
• Pregnant women travelling to high-risk areas
• Children travelling to endemic regions

Our travel health specialists can assess your itinerary and provide personalised advice on malaria prevention.

Preventing malaria involves a combination of strategies:

Depending on your destination, medical history, and travel plans, our pharmacists can recommend suitable antimalarial medications, including:

• Atovaquone-proguanil
• Doxycycline
• Mefloquine

Medications must be started before travel, taken during your trip, and continued after leaving the risk area as advised.

Reducing mosquito bites is crucial:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, especially in the evening
• Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets
• Stay in accommodation with screened windows or air conditioning
• Avoid areas with high mosquito activity at dusk and dawn

Be alert to any fever or flu-like symptoms during or after travel and seek medical attention immediately, as early diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

• Professional travel health consultations
• Personalised malaria risk assessment
• Expert advice on antimalarial medications
• Guidance on mosquito bite prevention
• Convenient appointment scheduling
• Experienced and friendly healthcare team

We aim to ensure that all travellers are fully prepared for a safe and healthy journey abroad.

If you are travelling to a region where malaria is present, book a consultation at Rusholme Pharmacy. Our travel health team can review your itinerary, provide personalised malaria prevention advice, and recommend suitable medications.

Book your Malaria Vaccination today and travel with greater confidence.