Most people living in malaria-prevalent areas have acquired some immunity to the disease. Visitors will not have immunity, and will need to take preventive medications. Even pregnant women should take preventive medications because the risk to the fetus from the medication is less than the risk of acquiring a congenital infection.

People on anti-malarial medications may still become infected. Avoid mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing over the arms and legs, using screens on windows, and using insect repellent.

Chloroquine has been the drug of choice for protection from malaria. With emerging resistance, it is now only indicated for use in areas where Plasmodium vivax, P. oval, and P. malariae are present. Falciparum malaria is becoming increasingly resistant to anti-malarial medications.

For travelers headed for areas Falciparum malaria is known to occur, the present drug of choice is mefloquine. Mefloquine has been approved by the FDA and is effective at preventing Falciparum malaria. Mefloquine can cause confusion and other mental side effects. Other drugs include Proguanil (available only in Africa), Fansidar (pyrimeth/sulfadoxine) and Malarone.

Travelers can call the CDC for information on types of malaria in a given geographical area, preventive drugs, and times of the season to avoid travel.

For information, call 1-800-311-3435 or go to the CDC web site and click on Travel Health.