Malaria Prevention Clinic in New York City
What is malaria?
Malaria is a potentially fatal blood disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to human and animal hosts by the Anopheles mosquito.
Where is it common?
Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. Transmission of malaria occurs in large areas of Central and South America, parts of the Caribbean, Africa, Asia (including South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East), Eastern Europe, and the South Pacific.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
The symptoms characteristic of malaria include flu-like illness with fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache. Cycles of chills, fever, and sweating that repeat every one, two, or three days are typical. There can sometimes be vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes due to destruction of red blood cells and liver cells.
Who needs to get anti-malaria prophylaxis?
Although there are no vaccinations against malaria, there are anti malaria medications that can reduce the risk that malaria poses to you on your journeys abroad
If you're visiting an area where malaria is common it is important to start taking preventive medication. The drugs used for antimalarial prophylaxis are generally well tolerated. The medication choice should be appropriate for the country you're visiting. We also need to take into account your individual circumstances (pregnancy, chronic medical conditions, etc)
What are the medications used for malaria prevention?
Whatever preventive medicine is chosen, it's important to take it regularly and as directed by our doctor– both while you're away and when you return.
There are three main drugs for preventing malaria
Malarone
Malarone should be started two to three days before travel and only needs to be continued for a week after leaving the malarias’ area. It is contraindicated in people with advanced kidney disease and pregnant women.
It's taken daily and should be taken with a meal rich in fats (e.g yoghurt) or a milky drink to avoid the risk of it not being adequately absorbed from the stomach.
Doxycycline
It's taken daily, starting one to two days before travel, while in the area and continuing for four weeks after leaving the malarious area.
People who take doxycycline should be aware that it may make their skin very sensitive to the sun, always take it with food and women may be more prone to thrush.
Doxycycline can also interfere with the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill and barrier methods of contraception are recommended when it is used. Conception attempts should be delayed for more than one week after the last tablet.
Larium
Larium is taken once a week, 1-2 weeks before traveling to malarious areas and for 4 weeks after leaving such areas.. Its main side-effects are mood changes and abnormal dreams. Larium is contraindicated in people with active depression, a recent history of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, other major psychiatric disorders, or seizures.
Where can traveler get malaria prevention medications in New York City?
Travel Clinic of NY supplies New York City residents with malaria prophylaxis medications. Travel Clinic NY office is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan. The staff of Travel Clinic NY are familiar with CDC recommendations as well as ongoing health issues in countries around the world. They can provide you with the anti malaria medications that you need for your trip, as well as any other medications and vaccinations you require.
For more information please go to: www.cdc.gov