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Malaria: What You Need to Know
Each year malaria kills more than a million people around the world. Malaria is considered the second-most deadly communicable disease after tuberculosis. Prophylactic medications are highly effective in preventing the disease. However, AAFSW's Livelines and recent articles in major U.S. publications indicate that consumers do not always receive accurate information about these drugs. If you live at or will be moving to a post that requires antimalarial medication, learn about the different options (for a brief description of the most common medications, see below). Be aware that health care professionals may not recognize some side effects.
You are the best judge of your own health. If you suffer from unexpected physical, emotional, or perceptual difficulties while taking antimalarial drugs, ask your health care provider whether it might be advisable to try another medication. In July the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new antimalarial medication, used in other countries since 1996. The combination of atovaquone and proguanil is said to be 98% effective at preventing malaria with relatively minor side effects. If you have had problems with other medication, you may want to investigate this new option. Embassy health unit or local medical personnel offer invaluable information. However, take responsibility for your own health and that of your family. Investigate the options and stay alert to adverse effects. In the end, while it may be unpleasant to take antimalarial medications, the alternative is a high probability of contracting a seriously debilitating, potentially fatal disease.
NOTE: For more discussion on mefloquine (Lariam), see http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/lariam.html
For in-depth information on malaria and its prevention, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/malaria/index.htm.
The following chart offers a starting point in learning about antimalarial medication and should not be used in place of qualified medical advice.
Drugs Used to Prevent Malaria
Chloroquine:
Taken: weekly Cost: inexpensive Potential side effects: visual disturbances, hearing problems, weakness, loss of appetite Notes: This medication is now ineffective in many parts of the world, since the strains of malaria have become resistant to it.
Doxycycline:
Taken: daily Cost: inexpensive Potential side effects: stomach upset, sensitivity to sunlight, yeast infections, rash, diarrhea, headaches, vomiting. Notes: cannot be used by children under age 8 or pregnant women.
Malarone (atovaquone plus proguanil)
Taken: daily Cost: expensive Potential side effects: headache, stomach upset, vomiting.
Mefloquine:
Taken: weekly Cost: expensive Potential side effects: dizziness, stomach upset, headaches, nightmares, insomnia, forgetfulness, vertigo, visual disturbances, mood alterations, anxiety, hypertension, hypotension, flushing, tachycardia, palpitations, confusion, nervous system disturbances, psychotic manifestations. Notes: little data available on use during pregnancy or by children.
This article originally appearted in Global Link, the print newsletter of the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide.