Do all travellers to the tropics need malaria prophylaxis?
Many destinations in the tropics are either free of malaria, or the risk is so low that malaria prophylaxis is not needed. Furthermore, some travellers to countries with known malaria risk may not need to take malaria prophylaxis because malaria transmission may be confined to particular areas of a country (usually rural areas) or may be seasonal. For example, most individuals travelling only to major urban centres or resort areas in Central and South America or Southeast Asia do not require malaria prophylaxis. However, ALL travellers (adults and children) to any area with any risk of malaria should use personal protective measures, such as treated mosquito nets and insect repellents, to avoid mosquito bites. The risk of malaria can change rapidly in malaria-free zones within malaria risk countries. Therefore up-to-date information is essential in determining risk.
