Prevention of Malaria

Malaria is preventable. Stopping mosquito bites and, for travellers, taking the right medicine can lower the chance of infection a great deal.

Avoid mosquito bites

• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net, ideally every night
• Fit mesh screens on doors and windows
• Wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn
• Use repellent with DEET, picaridin or similar on exposed skin, as the label directs
• Use coils, vaporisers or fans indoors as an extra step

Cut mosquito breeding

• Empty water from coolers, buckets, pots, tyres and plant trays at least once a week
• Cover water tanks
• Fill or drain puddles and clear blocked drains
• Take part in local fogging and indoor residual spraying programmes

For travellers to malaria areas

• See a doctor or travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before travel
• Take prevention tablets exactly as prescribed, including after return
• Keep taking bite precautions, as tablets are not complete protection
• Get tested for any fever within a year after travel

Vaccines

Malaria vaccines such as RTS,S and R21 have been approved by the World Health Organization for children in areas with high malaria rates. Ask your doctor about availability.

Pregnancy and children

Pregnant women and young children are at higher risk. Use a net every night and follow local health advice on preventive treatment.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda stresses clean surroundings and avoiding the conditions that lead to fever. Herbal smoke or oils are not proven to prevent malaria, and should not replace nets and repellent.

Key point

Nets, repellent and removing standing water are the most effective steps.