Malaria is a fatal disease spread by an infected female mosquito bite. However, it is treatable and preventable through the same drug therapy. Antimalarial medication should be tailored to your specific health condition, travel route, and duration of stay in high-risk areas. Continue reading to learn about the best malaria treatment at West Midlands Travel Clinic.
How is malaria treated or cured?
Malaria is an acute illness with a fever spread by an infected mosquito bite. It usually takes 10 to 15 days for the first symptoms to appear.
It is preferable to have an early diagnosis and take preventive measures for migrant workers, mobile populations, and travellers to avoid this infectious disease through antimalarial medication.
Infants and immunocompromised people are highly susceptible.
Even if the risk is low, everyone should start antimalarial treatment immediately, especially newborns and the elderly.
What are the high-risk areas for malaria outbreaks?
Malaria is not a contagious infection from person to person and cannot be transmitted through close contact.
However, if you're travelling to high-risk areas or countries where malaria is common, it is required to take all necessary precautions.
Although malaria is widespread, it is particularly prevalent in tropical regions (areas with warm temperatures and high humidity) and sub-Saharan Africa.
Other countries include:
- Central and South America
- Eastern Europe
- South and Southeast Asia
- The Dominican Republic and Haiti
What is the best antibiotic for malaria in Worcester?
Antimalarial medication is prescribed depending on the way it works, its interaction with other antimalarial drugs, and the side effects of each drug.
This treatment is only helpful in conjunction with preventative measures, such as knowing where outbreaks are happening and taking steps to avoid getting bitten.
There are two types of drugs that can be taken without a prescription in the UK:
- Chloroquine and/or Proguanil
- Atovaquone/Proguanil (also known as Malarone)
These two are easily found in local pharmacies. It is recommended to consult a health expert before taking an antimalarial drug.
What is the first-line treatment for malaria?
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are the most effective methods of healthcare.
Malaria can have nonspecific symptoms and might recur even if you're taking medication to prevent it.
The most commonly used drugs for malaria treatment are:
- Generic Equivalent to Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil)
- Malarone Paediatric
- Doxycycline 100mg capsules
- Mefloquine (Lariam) 250mg
Can malaria go away without treatment?
Malaria is a potentially lethal disease. If not treated promptly, it can cause a mild to severe illness, and even death, within 24 hours.
You should seek immediate medical care right after being diagnosed during or after your trip to high-risk areas.
If you live in or are travelling to a region where malaria is prevalent, you should contact a general practitioner, pharmacy, or travel clinic four to six weeks prior to departure.
However, you may also get last-minute guidance from travel health professionals.
Make an appointment at your convenience for malaria treatment at West Midlands Travel Clinic.
