Malaria Medications

The one health concern to be taken seriously is Malaria as both chloroquine resistant and normal strains of Malaria exist in most of the continent's safari areas. Please consult your doctor on malaria prophylactics prior to your travels (bear in mind that certain medications require that you start taking your tablets at least a week prior to departure). The CDC website includes an excellent summary of anti-malarial medications. 

Malarone

The drug most often prescribed, and the one that we take, is Malarone (atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride). The dose for adults is one tablet daily, starting 2 days before entering a malaria area, one tablet a day while in the area, and one tablet a day 7 days after leaving the malaria area. For children weighing less than 88 pounds, a lower-dose pediatric tablet is available. More information is available at:  www.malarone.com

Alternatives

Mefloquine (Trade name Larium or Mefliam) and Doxycycline are also effective anti-malarial drugs. However, Mefloquine is associated with sometimes severe side effects. Another recommended prophylactic is Proguanil (Paludrin) taken in conjunction with Chloroquine (Nivaquine). Other drugs include Maloprim, Malosone, and Deltaprim.

Side Effects

The most commonly prescribed anti-malarial for Africa is Malarone, and it is an effective drug with few side effects. In some travelers, however, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation, including diarrhea and nausea - if you are taking Malarone and experience these symptoms, it is quite likely that Malarone is the cause. Discuss your options with the camp manager, who is most familiar with current malarial risks at the camp - many physicians in Africa recommend stopping the Malarone under these circumstances, and following some common sense monitoring guidelines. Click here for more information.