Malaria

What is Malaria?

Malaria is one of the most fatal diseases known to the human race. It is a very serious tropical disease spread through mosquitoes and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

If you are travelling to any tropic country that is extremely popular with mosquitoes, then please make sure that you seek medical advice in regards to Malaria at the Medical Express Clinic in London. Our experts will provide you with the right guidance on having a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The Symptoms of Malaria:

In the list below, you will be able to find the most common symptoms of Malaria.

• Fever of 38ºC or over (often intermittent)
• Aching muscles and joints.
• A headache.
• Chills (sweating and shivering).
• Abdominal pains and diarrhoea.
• Tiredness and fatigue.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin & whites of eyes).

Depending on the individual, not all of these symptoms can be present and some can even have a delayed reaction (sometimes up to a whole year) after you return home. If you ever notice that something isn't quite right, please seek medical advice immediately.

Malaria is very easily misdiagnosed as flu; therefore it is important for you to be extremely careful.

Can Malaria be prevented?

If you are travelling to a high-risk of Malaria country, you should seek medical advice before your departure. If you are visiting an area that is known for malaria, anti-malarial medication may be required.

This will very much depend on your destination and medical history. At the Medical Express Clinic, we will ensure to provide you with the perfect medication for your circumstances.

• Malarone is the first new drug when it comes to malaria prevention in more than a decade.
• Doxycycline is an effective substitution to Malarone.
• Lariam (Mefloquine) is a very effective option for those that travel to many destinations. It is most suitable for travellers who have taken it before as it has a history of giving neuropsychiatric side effects.
• Chloroquine & proguanil (Paludrine) are tablets which must be taken a week prior to travelling and continued for up to four weeks after you return. It is most suitable if you are travelling to countries in Africa.
• Chloroquine alone: We advise travellers to take 2 tablets per week. This particular option is now only suitable for parts of Central America and the tablets must be continued for up to four weeks after returning home.

At our clinic on Harley Street, we will always discuss any risk factors and benefits of each option for malaria prevention so that we can pick the right solution for your circumstances.

Japanese encephalitis vaccination at the Medical Express Clinic:

• The Japanese Encephalitis is a vaccine-preventable infection.
• In the UK, the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination has been permitted for use on people as early as 2 months since birth and requires 2 doses of the vaccination over 28 days.
• If rapid protection is needed, adults can receive the vaccination course over 7 days, so it is never too late to vaccinate.

Avoiding being Bitten:

Since malaria is transmitted through mosquitoes, making sure that you are not bitten is the safest way of preventing malaria.

We would recommend travellers to wear long sleeves, long trousers and socks, especially during the night or when sleeping. We also advise our customers to wear insect repellent with a minimum of 50% DEET. Sleeping under a specific mosquito net can also be extremely beneficial.

For more advice and to book an appointment with our medical experts at the medical express clinic: