Read up on Malaria prevention treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Malaria prevention

Key points about treatments

The best way to prevent malaria is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

There are lots of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting bitten. You should also take drugs to protect you from malaria. But no treatment can protect you completely.

If you do get a fever and symptoms similar to the flu after visiting Asia, Africa or South America, you should see a doctor right away.

Key messages about preventing malaria

You can avoid mosquito bites by sleeping inside a mosquito net at night, wearing clothes that protect you from bites, and putting insect repellent on your skin.
You should see a doctor or nurse before traveling to a country where malaria is common. The type of drug you need depends on where you are going.
You will need to start taking anti-malaria drugs before you go.
It is important to keep taking the anti-malaria drugs after you return from your trip, because a malaria parasite in your blood could still be growing.
Women who are pregnant should avoid traveling to a place where there is malaria. You are more at risk of severe malaria and could have a

miscarriage
A miscarriage is when something happens during a pregnancy so that the fetus does not survive.

miscarriage.

This information was last updated on May 11, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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