Malaria in Africa

Malaria kills around 3 million people a year and deserves special mention above all other diseases, as it is so prevalent. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of the various preventative drugs, and bear in mind that the length of time you'll be in an affected area is very important, as you cannot take anti-malarial treatment indefinitely. It is important to avoid being bitten, so if you will be going to an affected area, take a mosquito net and insect repellent. Keep your arms, legs and feet covered after sunset.
Malaria is a parasitic disease spread by the bites of mosquitoes in infected areas, more specifically; Malaria is transferred only by some female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are different types of malaria, occurring in different regions. The malaria sickness will affect the construction of certain blood cells in your body. The symptoms include fever, turning to severe fever and nausea, and complications can affect the liver, kidneys, and brain. Once you have caught malaria you can suffer relapses long after the initial effects are over.
If you experience symptoms - fever, feeling unwell - seek immediate medical attention. If you experience illness after returning, do tell your doctor that you have been to a malaria-infected area.
Malaria can be fatal so take it seriously.

Malaria prophylaxis recommendations for travelling in Africa

Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis.
It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. None of the precautions are 100% effective.
Please remember that the best insurance against contracting malaria is to try to prevent oneself from being bitten so use mosquito repellents liberally. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
If staying in a bungalow/tent, spray with an insecticide to kill any mosquitoes which may have flown into your room. Mosquito coils are also effective.
If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped, make sure that your doctor does everything necessary to establish that your illness is not malaria. Malaria is not a serious problem if people are sensible and take basic precautions.
There are different drugs effective against different strains of malaria. Your personal physician can recommend which one is best for you. The drugs are discussed in the following paragraphs:

MEFLOQUINE (Larium) is recommended as the drug of choice for travellers at risk of infection with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (which has been confirmed in much of sub-Saharan Africa). Mefloquine is highly effective against both chloroquine-resistant and Fansidar-resistant infections. There are side affects to taking Larium, which you should discuss with your physician. Women using oral contraceptives should consult their physicians before using any prophylactics.

For travellers who are unable to take mefloquine, the drug DOXYCYCLINE can be used as an alternative.

If you are unable to take either mefloquine or doxycycline, you may purchase Chloroquine Phosphate based drug (several brands are available). In such instances, travelers must be aware of the possibility of contracting the chloroquine-resistant strain of malaria, which is prevalent in East and Central Africa. Chloroquine Phosphate should be taken along with Paludrine. Both can be purchased in Africa. Paludrine is the preventative medication recommended by the medical experts in Africa.
The newest drug to be introduced is MALARONE. Be sure to mention this to your doctor, as one should avoid Larium if possible due to its reported side-affects.
A new homoeopathic anti-malarial called Demal200 has recently been released, apperantly with no side effects.