Malaria is an infection of the red blood cells caused by the protozoa Plasmodium.
Usually, malaria is spread through the bite of an infected female mosquito.
People have chills, fever, sweating, headache, body aches, and nausea and may feel tired.
One type of malaria can cause serious symptoms, such as delirium, confusion, seizures, coma, severe breathing problems, and kidney failure.
Doctors diagnose the infection by examining a sample of blood or by doing other blood tests.
Various antimalarial medications are used to treat and to prevent the infection, and doctors decide which ones to give based on the species of Plasmodium causing the infection, whether the medications are still effective against that species, and the side effects and costs.
Eliminating mosquito breeding areas, killing larvae in standing water, preventing mosquito bites, and taking preventive medications before traveling to affected areas can help prevent malaria.
Two malaria vaccines (primarily for children) are available in sub-Saharan Africa and other areas with high transmission rates.
Protozoa are a type of parasite. They make up a diverse group of microscopic, one-celled organisms. Some protozoa need a human or animal host to live. There are many different kinds of protozoa.
Plasmodium are extraintestinal protozoa, which means they cause infections only in areas outside of a person's intestines such as the blood, spleen, and brain.
Although medications and insecticides have made malaria rare in the United States and in most high-resource countries, the infection remains common in many areas: Africa, India and other areas of South Asia, Southeast Asia, North and South Korea, Mexico, Central America, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, South America (including northern parts of Argentina), the Middle East (including Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq), and Central Asia.
In 2023, there were an estimated 263 million cases of malaria, and 94% of them were in Africa (see World Health Organization [WHO]: World Malaria Report 2024). An estimated 597,000 people died of malaria in 2023, mostly children younger than 5 years.
In the United States, about 2,000 cases of malaria are reported each year. Most of these infections occur in travelers returning to the United States from areas where malaria is common.
Malaria is spread through the bite of an infected female mosquito. Mosquitoes are vectors, which means they carry and transmit parasites that cause diseases in people. Mosquitoes can become infected after feeding on infected people. The infection spreads when an infected mosquito bites another person.
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(See also Overview of Parasitic Infections.)
Plasmodium species that cause malaria
There are 5 Plasmodium species that cause malaria in people:
Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium ovale
Plasmodium malariae
Plasmodium knowlesi (rarely)
Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum are the species that most commonly cause malaria. Most deaths are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which has the potential to cause serious illness.
Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale can persist in the liver in an inactive (dormant) form for years. Dormant forms periodically release mature parasites into the bloodstream, causing recurring attacks of symptoms (relapses). Dormant forms are not killed by most antimalarial medications.
Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium malariae do not persist as dormant forms in the liver. However, mature forms of Plasmodium malariae can persist in the bloodstream for months or even years before they cause symptoms.
Plasmodium knowlesi, which primarily infects monkeys, also causes malaria in people. It occurs mostly in men who live close to or work in forested areas of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia.
Transmission of Malaria
Malaria begins when a female mosquito bites a person who has malaria. The mosquito ingests blood that contains Plasmodium parasites. Once inside the mosquito, the parasites reproduce, develop, and migrate to the mosquito’s salivary gland.
When the now-infected mosquito bites another person, parasites are injected along with the mosquito’s saliva, and the person is now considered infected. Inside the newly infected person, the parasites move to the liver and multiply again. They typically mature over an average of 1 to 2 weeks, then leave the liver and invade the person’s red blood cells. The parasites multiply yet again inside the red blood cells, eventually causing the infected cells to rupture and release more parasites. These newly released parasite invade other red blood cells, and the rupture/release cycle repeats.
Very rarely, the disease is transmitted from an infected pregnant person to fetus before or at birth, through transfusion of contaminated blood, through transplantation of a contaminated organ, or through sharing needles with an infected person.
Symptoms and Complications of Malaria
After an infected mosquito bites a person, when symptoms begin depends on which Plasmodium species is causing the infection. For example, Plasmodium vivax causes symptoms that begin 8 days to 12 months after the bite, and Plasmodium malariae causes symptoms that begin 18 to 40 days or even years after the bite.
All species of Plasmodium cause the following symptoms:
Fever and shaking chills
A general feeling of illness (malaise), headache, body aches, and fatigue (tiredness)
Anemia (low numbers of red blood cells)
Jaundice (the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow)
An enlarged liver
As the infected red blood cells rupture and release parasites, a person typically feels ill, develops shaking chills and a fever that can reach 105.8° F (41° C), and then has headache, body aches, and nausea. The fever typically falls after several hours, and heavy sweating and extreme fatigue follow. Fevers occur unpredictably at first, but with time, they come and go at regular intervals. Fevers tend to occur at 48-hour intervals with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale and at 72-hour intervals with Plasmodium malariae. The fevers caused by Plasmodium falciparum are often not periodic, but sometimes occur at 48-hour intervals. Plasmodium knowlesi infection typically causes daily temperature spikes. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur.
As the infection progresses, the spleen and the liver enlarge, and anemia may become severe. Jaundice may develop.
Malaria in pregnant people is much more likely to cause severe infection. It may cause preterm birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Babies may have a low birth weight or may be infected.
Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
Malaria that is caused by Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous form of malaria and can be fatal without treatment. In Plasmodium falciparum malaria, infected red blood cells stick to the walls of small blood vessels and clog them, which damages many organs, particularly the brain (cerebral malaria), lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.
The level of sugar (glucose) in the blood can fall (called hypoglycemia). The blood sugar level may become life-threateningly low in people who have a large number of parasites in their blood.
Cerebral malaria is a particularly dangerous complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria that may develop. It can cause irritability, delirium, confusion, seizures, and coma. Fluid can accumulate in the clogged lungs and cause severe breathing problems (acute respiratory distress syndrome). Other symptoms include diarrhea, jaundice, kidney failure, and very low numbers of platelets (thrombocytopenia). Damage to internal organs can cause blood pressure to fall, sometimes resulting in shock. Cerebral malaria most commonly occurs in infants, young children, pregnant people, and people who have never been exposed to malaria and who travel to areas where malaria is common.
Blackwater fever is an uncommon complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It is caused by the rupture of large numbers of red blood cells, which releases the blood cells' contents, including hemoglobin, into the bloodstream. The released hemoglobin is excreted in the urine and turns the urine dark (which is where the term "blackwater" comes from). Kidney damage may be severe enough to require dialysis. Blackwater fever is more likely to develop in people who have been treated for malaria with a medication called quinine.
Malaria caused by other species of Plasmodium
Infections caused by the malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi generally do not affect vital organs, and death is rare. Death usually results from complications such as rupture of the spleen.
Plasmodium malariae may not cause immediate symptoms, but it can lead to long-term issues (such as kidney problems).
Plasmodium knowlesi can cause severe malaria and a rapid increase in parasite levels if it is not treated.
Symptoms in people taking medications to prevent malaria
In people who are taking medications to prevent malaria, symptoms of malaria can appear weeks to months after the medications are stopped. Symptoms often manifest as headaches, backaches, and irregular fevers, making it harder to detect the parasites in blood samples, especially in people with a weakened immune system.
Diagnosis of Malaria
A rapid diagnostic blood test
Examination of a blood sample under a microscope
A doctor suspects malaria when a person develops fever and chills after returning from an area where malaria is common.
Malaria is diagnosed when Plasmodium parasites are detected by both of the following:
A rapid diagnostic blood test that detects proteins released by malaria parasites (for this test, a blood sample and certain chemicals are placed on the test card, and after about 20 minutes, specific bands appear on the card if the person has malaria)
Microscopic examination of a blood sample (also called a blood smear)
Both tests should be done when possible. If doctors do not see malaria parasites during microscopic examination but they still suspect malaria, they repeat the examination every 12 to 24 hours to check for the parasites.
Doctors need to know the species of Plasmodium causing the infection because treatment, complications, and prognosis vary depending on the species involved. The rapid diagnostic blood test can detect Plasmodium falciparum malaria as effectively as the microscopic examination, but it does not identify people who are simultaneously infected with more than one species of Plasmodium. That is why both the rapid diagnostic test and microscopic examination of blood should be done if available.
Treatment of Malaria
Medications to treat malaria
After beginning treatment, most people improve within 24 to 48 hours, but with malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum, fever can last for 5 days.
Because malaria is potentially life-threatening, and especially if doctors suspect a person has Plasmodium falciparum infection, immediate treatment is needed.
Doctors decide which medication is best for treatment based on several factors:
The severity of the person's symptoms
The infecting species of Plasmodium
Whether the medication is still effective against that species
The geographic location where the person was infected
Side effects and cost of the medication
The person's age and pregnancy status
Whether a medication is still effective against a species of Plasmodium depends on what the species is and on the geographic location where there person was infected.
Doctors also decide which medication to use based on the results of the diagnostic tests. However, if doctors strongly suspect malaria, they may treat people for malaria even if the test results were negative because tests do not detect all cases, and, if untreated, malaria can be life threatening.
Most people with malaria can be treated with medications taken by mouth (orally). People who are unable to take medications by mouth can be treated with medications given by vein (intravenously).
In some areas where malaria is common, antimalarial medications sold by local pharmacies may be counterfeit. Thus, doctors may advise a person traveling to a remote, high-risk area to take along a full course of the appropriate antimalarial medications. These medications can then be used if a local doctor confirms the traveler has malaria. This strategy ensures that authentic medications are used and prevents further depletion of medications that are not readily available in the area being visited.
Artemisinins are a type of antimalarial medication. They are now used throughout the world to treat malaria because they act more rapidly than other antimalarial medications and are generally well-tolerated. Artemisinins include artesunate and artemether. They are often given in combination with a second medication to prevent development of drug resistance. One such combination is artemether/lumefantrine (given in 1 oral tablet). This combination is the preferred treatment in many parts of the world. Some artemisinins are given orally, whereas others are given by injection or suppository (inserted into the rectum). They are not used for the prevention of malaria.Artemisinins are a type of antimalarial medication. They are now used throughout the world to treat malaria because they act more rapidly than other antimalarial medications and are generally well-tolerated. Artemisinins include artesunate and artemether. They are often given in combination with a second medication to prevent development of drug resistance. One such combination is artemether/lumefantrine (given in 1 oral tablet). This combination is the preferred treatment in many parts of the world. Some artemisinins are given orally, whereas others are given by injection or suppository (inserted into the rectum). They are not used for the prevention of malaria.
Severe malaria
Severe malaria requires urgent treatment, preferably with intravenous artesunate. If Severe malaria requires urgent treatment, preferably with intravenous artesunate. Ifartesunate cannot be obtained within 24 hours, doctors give people other oral medications such as artemether/lumefantrine, atovaquone/proguanil, quinine sulfate (plus doxycycline or clindamycin), or, if nothing else is available, mefloquine. cannot be obtained within 24 hours, doctors give people other oral medications such as artemether/lumefantrine, atovaquone/proguanil, quinine sulfate (plus doxycycline or clindamycin), or, if nothing else is available, mefloquine.
People who cannot swallow may be given crushed pills of artemether/lumefantrine or atovaquone/proguanil delivered through a feeding tube.
Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
People who have malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum but who do not have any complications (such as cerebral malaria) may be treated with artemether/lumefantrine or atovaquone/proguanil. These medications are not given to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless they are at high risk of developing malaria or other options are not available.but who do not have any complications (such as cerebral malaria) may be treated with artemether/lumefantrine or atovaquone/proguanil. These medications are not given to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless they are at high risk of developing malaria or other options are not available.
Mefloquine is an alternative medication. People of all ages can take it, and so can pregnant people. However, doctors may not use this medication in some regions (for example, Southeast Asia) if Mefloquine is an alternative medication. People of all ages can take it, and so can pregnant people. However, doctors may not use this medication in some regions (for example, Southeast Asia) ifmefloquine does not effectively treat malaria there.
Another option is a medication called quinine plus the antibiotic doxycycline, tetracycline, or clindamycin. Tetracyclines are not generally given to pregnant people or to children 8 years old or younger.Another option is a medication called quinine plus the antibiotic doxycycline, tetracycline, or clindamycin. Tetracyclines are not generally given to pregnant people or to children 8 years old or younger.
Chloroquine is an option for Chloroquine is an option forPlasmodium falciparum malaria in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Central America west and north of the Panama Canal, and parts of the Middle East. However, resistance to chloroquine is now widespread among Plasmodium falciparum elsewhere in the world.
People who have Plasmodium falciparum malaria are hospitalized because it can progress to a severe infection. They are monitored in the hospital until their symptoms lessen and they have fewer parasites in their blood.
Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale
People who have malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale but who do not have any complications are given the medication chloroquine or the combination medication artemether/lumefantrine. After that treatment is complete, people are given the medication primaquine for 14 days to kill persistent parasites in the liver and to prevent a relapse of malaria.but who do not have any complications are given the medication chloroquine or the combination medication artemether/lumefantrine. After that treatment is complete, people are given the medication primaquine for 14 days to kill persistent parasites in the liver and to prevent a relapse of malaria.
People in some areas are given 3 medications: chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, or hydroxychloroquine,primaquine, and tafenoquine. , and tafenoquine.Tafenoquine is only for people 16 years of age and older. Primaquine is the only medication that kills persistent parasites in the liver. Before primaquine and tafenoquine are started, people are given a blood test to check for is the only medication that kills persistent parasites in the liver. Before primaquine and tafenoquine are started, people are given a blood test to check forG6PD deficiency. People who have this enzyme deficiency cannot take either medication because they cause red blood cells to break down.
People in areas where chloroquine does not effectively treat malaria are given a combination of medications that may include artemether/lumefantrine, atovaquone/proguanil, quinine, doxycycline or another tetracycline, mefloquine, primaquine, and does not effectively treat malaria are given a combination of medications that may include artemether/lumefantrine, atovaquone/proguanil, quinine, doxycycline or another tetracycline, mefloquine, primaquine, andtafenoquine. Tetracyclines are not given to pregnant people or to children 8 years old or younger.
Malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae or Plasmodium knowlesi
People who have malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae or Plasmodium knowlesi may be given chloroquine. may be given chloroquine.
Mefloquine is an alternative medication. People of all ages can take it, and so can pregnant people.Mefloquine is an alternative medication. People of all ages can take it, and so can pregnant people.
Another option is a medication called quinine plus the antibiotic doxycycline, tetracycline, or clindamycin. Tetracyclines are not given to pregnant people or to children 8 years old or younger.Another option is a medication called quinine plus the antibiotic doxycycline, tetracycline, or clindamycin. Tetracyclines are not given to pregnant people or to children 8 years old or younger.
Side effects of medications used for malaria
Artemisinins (such as artemether combinations and artesunate) sometimes cause side effects, which include headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, and weakness. When the combination of artemether/lumefantrine is used, (such as artemether combinations and artesunate) sometimes cause side effects, which include headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, and weakness. When the combination of artemether/lumefantrine is used,lumefantrine can interact with other medications, sometimes causing an abnormal heart rhythm. People should make sure their health care professional knows all the medications they are taking so that medication interactions can be avoided. Breakdown of red blood cells and anemia can occur in the weeks following administration of artesunate and, on occasion, other artemisinins. Artemisinins are given to people who are pregnant only if there are no other alternatives and the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks to the fetus.
Atovaquone/proguanilAtovaquone/proguanil is usually well-tolerated, but it occasionally causes an allergic rash, itching, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). It is not given to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding (chestfeeding).
ChloroquineChloroquine is relatively safe for adults, children, and pregnant people when used at the recommended doses. It has a bitter taste and can cause itching and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. This medication must be kept away from children because overdoses can be fatal.
HydroxychloroquineHydroxychloroquine is a medication chemically similar to chloroquine. Its side effects are similar to those of chloroquine.
DoxycyclineDoxycycline can cause gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea), vaginal yeast infections in women, and sensitivity to sunlight that results in a sunburn-like reaction in a small percentage of people. People should take it with a full glass of liquid and should not lie down for several hours to ensure that the medication reaches the stomach. If the medication does not reach the stomach, it can irritate the esophagus and cause severe chest pain. Because doxycycline can permanently stain the teeth of young children and fetuses, it should not be given to children younger than 8 years old or taken by pregnant people.
MefloquineMefloquine causes nightmares, dizziness, vertigo, and confusion. It can also cause severe psychologic side effects and seizures in people with a seizure disorder (epilepsy) and can affect the heart. Thus, mefloquine is not given to people who are known to have a seizure disorder, psychiatric problem, or heart disorder.
PrimaquinePrimaquine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramping). It can also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells (leukopenia). Primaquine not given to people who have G6PD deficiency. People who have this enzyme deficiency cannot take this medication because it causes red blood cells to break down.
QuinineQuinine often causes headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and ringing in the ears. This combination of symptoms is called cinchonism. Quinine may also cause a low blood sugar level in people infected with Plasmodium falciparum.
TafenoquineTafenoquine can cause a rash and gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea). It can also cause psychologic side effects and is not given to people who are known to have a psychiatric problem. Tafenoquine is also not given to people who have can cause a rash and gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea). It can also cause psychologic side effects and is not given to people who are known to have a psychiatric problem. Tafenoquine is also not given to people who haveG6PD deficiency. People who have this enzyme deficiency cannot take this medication because it causes red blood cells to break down.
Antimalarial medications may harm a fetus. Thus, an expert should be consulted when pregnant people need to be treated.
Prevention of Malaria
Prevention involves the following:
Controlling mosquitoes
Avoiding mosquito bites
Taking preventive medications (malaria prophylaxis)
Receiving a vaccine
Measures to prevent mosquito bites
Mosquito control measures, which include eliminating breeding areas and killing larvae in the standing water where they live, are very important.
Also, people who live in or travel to areas where malaria is common can take precautions to limit mosquito exposure:
Using insecticide (permethrin or pyrethrum) sprays in homes and outbuildingsUsing insecticide (permethrin or pyrethrum) sprays in homes and outbuildings
Placing screens on doors and windows
Using insecticide-treated mosquito netting over beds
Applying mosquito repellents containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) on exposed areas of the skin
Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, particularly between dusk and dawn, to protect against mosquito bites
If mosquito exposure is likely to be long or involve many mosquitoes, applying permethrin to clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) before it is worn or usedIf mosquito exposure is likely to be long or involve many mosquitoes, applying permethrin to clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) before it is worn or used
Treating clothing and gear with products containing permethrin helps. Permethrin remains protective through several washings. Clothing that is pretreated with permethrin is available and may protect longer.
People who plan to use repellents that contain DEET should be instructed to do the following:
Apply repellents only to exposed skin as directed on the label, and use them sparingly around ears (they should not be applied to or sprayed in the eyes or mouth).
Wash their hands after application.
Not allow children to handle repellents (adults should apply the repellent to their hands first, then spread it on the child's skin).
Apply just enough repellent to cover the exposed area.
Wash the repellant off after returning indoors.
Wash clothing before wearing them again unless indicated otherwise by the product label.
Medications to prevent malaria
People who are traveling to areas where malaria is present should take medications to prevent the infection. The preventive medication is started before travel begins, continued throughout the stay, and extended for a time (which varies for each medication) after the person leaves the area. Preventive medications reduce but do not eliminate the risk of malaria. Several medications can be used to prevent malaria.
Drug resistance is a serious problem, particularly with the dangerous Plasmodium falciparum species, and in a few areas of the world where the Plasmodium vivax species is the main cause of malaria. Thus, the choice of medication for prevention varies by geographic location. Information about travel to specific areas is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC: Travelers' Health).
The medications that are used most frequently for preventing malaria are the following:
The combination of atovaquone/proguanil (in 1 tablet)The combination of atovaquone/proguanil (in 1 tablet)
DoxycyclineDoxycycline
TafenoquineTafenoquine
The effectiveness of these 3 treatments is similar, but they vary in side effects. Atovaquone/proguanil is generally tolerated better than The effectiveness of these 3 treatments is similar, but they vary in side effects. Atovaquone/proguanil is generally tolerated better thandoxycycline. For side effects of all preventive medications, see Side effects of medications used for malaria.
Atovaquone/proguanilAtovaquone/proguanil is taken starting 1 to 2 days before a trip. People continue to take the medication daily while they remain in an area where malaria is known to occur and for 7 days after they leave. It is the best-tolerated medication, but it can have side effects. It does not prevent recurring attacks of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale.
DoxycyclineDoxycycline is taken starting 1 to 2 days before a trip to an area where malaria is common. People continue to take the medication daily while they remain in the area where malaria is known to occur and for 4 weeks after they leave the area. It is usually tolerated well but has side effects. It does not prevent recurring attacks of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale.
TafenoquineTafenoquine is an option for people 16 years of age and older who are traveling to any area where malaria is common. Tafenoquine is taken for 3 days before the trip. People continue to take it once a week during their stay and once 7 days after the last dose taken during the trip. Tafenoquine is used to prevent recurring attacks of malaria in travelers who are taking other antimalarial medications (such as doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil) who have had heavy exposure to Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale.
Other medication options for preventing malaria include chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine, primaquine, and tafenoquine.Other medication options for preventing malaria include chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine, primaquine, and tafenoquine.
ChloroquineChloroquine is taken starting 1 to 2 weeks before a trip. People continue to take the medication weekly during their stay and for 4 weeks after they leave the area. Chloroquine is used to prevent malaria in the few parts of the world where Plasmodium species have not developed resistance to it. Chloroquine and mefloquine are the only preventive medications that can safely be taken by pregnant people. Thus, doctors advise pregnant people not to travel to areas where Plasmodium species are resistant to chloroquine.
HydroxychloroquineHydroxychloroquine is effective against the same Plasmodium species as chloroquine.
MefloquineMefloquine is taken starting 2 or more weeks before the trip. People continue to take the medication during their stay and for 4 weeks after they leave the area. Mefloquine is effective for prevention in many areas, but it is rarely used because it can have severe psychiatric and other side effects. It is ineffective or less effective for prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia and occasionally elsewhere.
PrimaquinePrimaquine is another alternative for prevention, primarily for people traveling to areas where malaria is mainly caused by Plasmodium vivax. However, before people start the medication, they need to have their blood tested for a relatively common enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (see table More About Some Causes of Anemia). People with this deficiency should not take primaquine because the medication may cause their red blood cells to break down. Primaquine is given starting 1 to 2 days before the trip. People continue to take it during their stay and for 7 days after they leave the area. Primaquine taken for 14 days is also used to prevent recurring attacks of malaria in travelers who are taking other antimalarial medications (such as doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil) and who have had heavy exposure to taken for 14 days is also used to prevent recurring attacks of malaria in travelers who are taking other antimalarial medications (such as doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil) and who have had heavy exposure toPlasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale.
Vaccination
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine or the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine among children in areas where malaria is common and where spread of malaria caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum is moderate to high. Malaria vaccination is an important intervention to prevent malaria, which causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, mostly in children in Africa. (See WHO: Malaria vaccine implementation programme.)
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Yellow Fever Vaccine and Malaria Prevention Information, by Country
CDC: About Malaria
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
