Mosquitos and Malaria

Repelling Mosquitos, article from the New England Journal of Medicine, outline consumer products, specifically DEET, used to repel harmful insects.

As mosquitos may carry malaria, we provide medication information on the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Malaria Medications

• Aralen ® (chloroquine): Take one tablet per week. Start one week prior to departure. Take weekly while on trip then continue for 4 weeks after return to the U.S. Destroy any remaining tablets after you have finished treatment.
  
  
• Malarone ®: Take one tablet daily with food starting one day before trip. Take daily during the trip, and for seven days after return.
  
  
• Larium™ (mefloquine): Take one tablet per week. Start one week prior to departure. Take weekly while in malaria areas and continue every week for four weeks after return. Tell your doctor if you are taking any heart of blood pressure medicine or have a history of seizures. If you develop unexplained dizziness, confusion or anxiety, discontinue the medication and seek medical care.
  
  
• Doxycycline: Take one tablet (100 mg) per day beginning 1-2 days before departure. Continue while in malarai areas and for four weeks after return. Doxycycline may cause an exaggerated sunburn and vaginal yeast infection. Take the daily tablet with meals and do not take at bedtime.

Some of these medications are contraindicated in pregnancy and in children. Inform you physician if you are pssibly pregnant or attempting to conceive.