Will taking antimalarial medications prevent infection?
• While no antimalarial prophylaxis drug regimen provides complete protection from malaria infection, it can reduce the risk of infection. Medicines to prevent malaria are usually prescribed for persons traveling to areas where malaria is common. Travelers from different countries might receive different recommendations because of differences in the availability of medicines. Travelers visiting only cities or rural areas where there is no risk of malaria might not need preventive drugs. An exact itinerary is needed to decide on the right degree of protection. The type of prophylaxis depends on the area, local species of malaria, local pattern of antimalarial drug resistance and personal characteristics—such as allergies and contraindications. Additionally, recommendations concerning prophylaxis and treatment for malaria may vary for some populations, including pregnant women and children.
