Should infants and children also take an antimalarial drug?
[Dr. McMorrow] Yes. Because children of any age can get malaria when they travel to a risk area, they should be on an antimalarial drug for protection. However, not all types of malaria drugs can be given to children. A healthcare provider will be able to discuss with parents the best antimalarial drug for their children. Doses are based on the child’s weight. [Ms. Divine] What is CDC’s advice for pregnant women who plan to travel to a country where malaria is present? [Dr. McMorrow] CDC recommends that pregnant women NOT travel to malaria-risk areas. If a woman gets malaria during her pregnancy, her illness can be more severe than in women who aren’t pregnant. Babies born to women with malaria can be premature or stillborn, or the mother can miscarry the pregnancy. If the pregnant woman can’t avoid travel to a malaria-risk area, it’s extremely important that she use an effective antimalarial drug. However, there are only a few antimalarial drugs that can be given to pregnant women, an
