Malarial prevention

Travellers should be advised that malaria may be prevented by following two simple rules:

Avoid mosquito bites; and take antimalarial medicines regularly

In order to avoid mosquito bites, travellers are advised to:

·         keep away from rural areas after dusk

·         sleep in air-conditioned or properly screened rooms

·         use insecticide sprays to kill any mosquitoes in the room or use mosquito coils at night

·         smear an insect repellent on exposed parts of the body; an effective repellent is diethyl-m-toluamide (Muskol, Repellem, Rid)

·         use mosquito nets (tuck under mattress; check for tears)

·         impregnate nets with permethrin (Ambush) or deltamethrin

·         wear sufficient light-coloured clothing, long sleeves and long trousers, to protect whole body and arms and legs when in the open after sunset

·         avoid using perfumes, cologne and after shave lotion (also attracts insects)