QUESTION:

I am going to Thailand. Do I need to take Malaria medication there?

ANSWER:

Like many other countries, that depends on where in Thailand you are planning to go. The country on the whole has been successful in containing malaria, mostly through successful mosquito control initiatives and a great initiative of government-sponsored “malaria clinics”  dotted around the country, which diagnosed and treated thousands of people.

Now, malaria is more or less constrained to the border regions with Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, and if you plan to travel to these areas, prophylaxis is recommended (malarone or doxycycline are best since the area has chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the most quick-acting and dangerous form of malaria). There are a few cases of malaria from coastal areas every year, but bite prevention is probably sufficient to reduce the risk of infection – make sure to wear insect repellant, especially at night and dusk/dawn, and if possible sleep under an insecticide-treated bednet.

Finally, remember if you do take prophylaxis, and as per the manufacturer’s instructions, there is only a tiny risk of contracting malaria. But if you do find yourself with symptoms when you get back (see the ‘What are the symptoms of malaria?’ question in this Q&A forum for a description of the more common signs of malarial infection), it’s definitely worth getting checked out!