Malaria Prophylaxis for Travellers
Sri Lanka was certified by the World Health Organization as a malaria-free country in 2016. However, malaria remains common in many parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Each year, several Sri Lankans who travel abroad to malaria-endemic countries return home with the disease. Preventing imported malaria is essential to maintain our malaria-free status.
Before You Travel
If you are planning to visit a malaria-endemic country, you should:
- Consult the Anti Malaria Campaign (AMC) or your nearest Regional Malaria Office (RMO) at least two weeks before travel.
- Get medical advice on malaria prevention methods and obtain the appropriate preventive medication (chemoprophylaxis).
- Learn about mosquito-bite prevention measures to protect yourself while abroad.
ABCDEF of Malaria Prevention
Be Aware of the malaria risk in your destination
Avoid mosquito bites (especially from dusk to dawn)
Take Chemoprophylaxis (preventive medication) when advised
Get Diagnosed early if you develop fever
Seek Early and effective treatment if malaria is detected
Remember that malaria can be Fatal if diagnosis and treatment are delayed
How Malaria Spreads
Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Symptoms usually appear 7 days or more after infection and include fever, chills, headache, tiredness, and body aches.
If untreated, malaria can lead to serious complications and death.
What Travellers Should Do
1. Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Sleep under a mosquito net, preferably a Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN).
- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET on exposed skin.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers after dusk.
- Stay in rooms with screens or air conditioning.
- Use mosquito coils or vaporizers approved by health authorities.
2. Take Preventive Medication (Chemoprophylaxis)
Depending on your travel destination, you may be advised to take medication such as:
- Chloroquine – for countries where malaria is mostly Plasmodium vivax.
- Mefloquine, Doxycycline, or Atovaquone-Proguanil – for areas with Plasmodium falciparum or chloroquine resistance.
You must start the medication one week before travelling, continue during the trip, and after your return, as advised by your doctor.
No medicine gives 100% protection, but correct use greatly reduces your risk.
If You Develop a Fever
If you experience fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms during travel or within one year after returning:
- Get tested for malaria immediately.
- Tell the doctor about your travel history.
- Testing is free at the AMC Headquarters, Regional Malaria Offices, and all major hospitals in Sri Lanka.
Even if the first test is negative, testing should be repeated for three consecutive days if fever persists.
Special Advice for Pregnant Women and Children
- Pregnant women should avoid travel to malaria-endemic areas whenever possible.
- If unavoidable, consult a doctor for safe preventive medication (usually chloroquine).
- Young children are especially vulnerable to malaria and should be protected carefully with mosquito nets and repellents.
- Safe medicines can be prescribed according to their body weight.