Chemoprophylaxis
- Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for travelers, migrant labourers and military personnel exposed to malaria in highly endemic areas. Use of personal protection measures like insecticide-treated bednets should be encouraged for pregnant women and other vulnerable populations.
- For short-term chemoprophylaxis (less than 6 weeks):- Doxycycline- 100 mg daily in adults and 1.5 mg/kg for children more than 8 years old. The drug should be started 2 days before travel and continued for 4 weeks after leaving the malarious area. (Note: Doxycycline is contraindicated in pregnant women and children less than 8 years).
- For long-term chemoprophylaxis (more than 6 weeks) Mefloquine: 5 mg/kg bw (up to 250 mg) weekly and should be administered two weeks before, during and four weeks after leaving the area.