Malaria
Alternative names:
Quartan malaria; falciparum malaria; biduoterian fever;
blackwater fever; tertian malaria; plasmodium
Treatment:
FOR TRAVELERS
Antimalarial drugs can be prescribed for visitors to areas
where malaria is prevalent. Treatment should begin two weeks
before entering the area, and continue for 4 weeks after leaving
the area. The types of antimalarial medications prescribed
will depend on the drug-resistance patterns in the areas to
be visited. Chloroquine, quinine, and the combination of pyrimethamine
and sulfadoxine are some examples of drugs you may receive.
It is very important to know the countries and areas you will
be visiting to obtain appropriate preventive support for malaria.
FOR ACTIVE INFECTIONS
Malaria, especially Falciparum malaria, is a medical emergency
requiring hospitalization. Chloroquine is the most frequently
used antimalarial medication, but quinidine or quinine, or
the combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine are given
for chloroquine-resistant infections.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome is expected to be good in most cases of malaria
with treatment, but poor in Falciparum infection with complications.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you develop fever
and headache after visiting
the tropics.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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