What is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Uganda has a high malaria risk, primarily due to Plasmodium falciparum (the most severe form).
Symptoms & Risks
-
Symptoms may begin 8 days to a year after exposure (most commonly within 1–6 months).
-
Early signs mimic the flu (fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea).
-
Severe malaria can lead to organ failure, seizures, coma, or death.
-
Seek immediate medical care if you develop fever after travel—inform your doctor of your travel history.
Protection Against Mosquito Bites
Since malaria and other diseases (like dengue) are spread by mosquitoes, bite prevention is critical:
1. Clothing & Repellents
-
Wear long sleeves & pants (especially at dusk/dawn).
-
Use environmental protection agency -approved repellents (DEET 20–50%, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).
-
Reapply frequently in hot/humid climates.
-
Apply sunscreen first, then repellent.
2. Sleeping Protection
-
Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net (permethrin-impregnated).
-
Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
-
Spray rooms with pyrethroid insecticides (e.g., Raid) if needed.
3. Additional Precautions
-
Avoid scented soaps/perfumes (attract mosquitoes).
-
Wear neutral-colored clothing (bright colors attract tsetse flies).
-
Limit outdoor activity at peak biting times (dusk to dawn for malaria mosquitoes).
Malaria Prophylaxis Regimens for Uganda
Antimalarial drugs are essential—Uganda has chloroquine-resistant malaria, so these options are recommended:
1. Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone)
-
Dose: 1 tablet (250mg/100mg) daily with food.
-
Schedule:
-
Start 1–2 days before travel.
-
Take daily while in Uganda.
-
Continue for 7 days after leaving.
-
Side Effects: Mild nausea, diarrhea (take with food).
-
For Children: Weight-based dosing available.
2. Doxycycline
-
Dose: 100mg once daily.
-
Schedule:
-
Start 1–2 days before travel.
-
Take daily in Uganda.
-
Continue for 28 days after departure.
-
Side Effects: Sun sensitivity, yeast infections, stomach upset.
3. Mefloquine (Lariam)
-
Dose: 250mg (1 tablet) weekly.
-
Schedule:
-
Start 2–3 weeks before travel (to check tolerance).
-
Take weekly in Uganda.
-
Continue for 4 weeks after leaving.
-
Side Effects: Rare neuropsychiatric effects (avoid if history of anxiety/depression).
Not Recommended:
-
Chloroquine (resistance in Uganda).
