Understanding Malaria Risk
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, there were an estimated 249 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2022.
For UK travellers, malaria is a serious concern when visiting tropical and subtropical regions, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Central and South America. There is no vaccine currently available for malaria — prevention depends on a combination of antimalarial medication and bite avoidance.
Antimalarial Tablets: Your Options
At Gloucester Travel Clinic, our pharmacists prescribe the most appropriate antimalarial based on your destination, medical history, and personal preferences.
Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil)
- Start: 1–2 days before travel
- During: Daily while in malaria zone
- After: 7 days after leaving malaria zone
- Side effects: Generally well tolerated; occasional nausea
- Best for: Short trips, first-time travellers
Doxycycline
- Start: 1–2 days before travel
- During: Daily while in malaria zone
- After: 28 days after leaving malaria zone
- Side effects: Sun sensitivity, occasional stomach upset
- Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, longer trips
Mefloquine (Lariam)
- Start: 2–3 weeks before travel
- During: Weekly while in malaria zone
- After: 4 weeks after leaving malaria zone
- Side effects: Vivid dreams, dizziness (less common than reported)
- Best for: Very long trips, weekly convenience
ABCD of Malaria Prevention
The NHS recommends the ABCD approach to malaria prevention:
A — Awareness of the risk. Know whether your destination is a malaria zone. Our pharmacists can check your exact itinerary against NaTHNaC guidance.
B — Bite prevention. Mosquitoes that carry malaria bite primarily between dusk and dawn. Key measures include:
- Use insect repellent containing at least 50% DEET on exposed skin
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evening
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net
- Use air conditioning or screened windows where possible
C — Chemoprophylaxis. Take antimalarial tablets exactly as prescribed — the most common reason for malaria in returning travellers is not taking tablets correctly.
D — Diagnosis. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, headaches, muscle aches) up to a year after returning from a malaria area.
Common Myths About Malaria
"I've been to Africa before without tablets and was fine" — Malaria is unpredictable. You may not be bitten on one trip but could be on another. One infected bite is all it takes.
"Antimalarials are worse than the disease" — Modern antimalarials like Malarone are very well tolerated. Malaria, however, can be fatal within 24 hours if untreated.
"Gin and tonic prevents malaria" — The amount of quinine in tonic water is far too small to have any antimalarial effect. This is a dangerous myth.
"I can just get treated if I catch it" — While malaria is treatable, the most dangerous form (Plasmodium falciparum, common in Africa) can become life-threatening extremely quickly. Prevention is always better than cure.
Get Your Antimalarial Prescription
Our pharmacists are qualified to prescribe antimalarial medication following a thorough risk assessment of your travel plans. Visit us at either of our Hucclecote pharmacies:
- Brookfield Pharmacy, 5 Brookfield Road, GL3 3HA
- Hucclecote Pharmacy, 7 Glenville Parade, GL3 3ES
Book your consultation today — we recommend visiting at least 2 weeks before departure to allow time for any side effect testing.