QUESTION

Where can I get vaccinated for malaria in Wilmington, DE?

ANSWER

Currently there is no vaccine for preventing malaria.  However, there are a number of ways to prevent malaria. These can be placed into two categories: medication and vector protection.

For medication, there are drugs you can take to prevent the malaria parasite from developing after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These drugs are known as “chemoprophylaxis.” There are several different kinds, such as doxycycline, mefloquine (marketed as Lariam), atovaquone-proguanil (marketed as Malarone) and chloroquine—the type you use depends on the type of malaria present in the area. For example, in much of Africa and India, malaria is resistant to chloroquine, so this cannot be used as a prophylactic. In parts of Thailand, resistance to mefloquine has emerged. However, if the appropriate type of prophylaxis is used, it is very effective against malaria.

Vector prevention involves protecting oneself against getting bitten by mosquitoes. This can involve wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings and at night, when malaria mosquitoes are most active, or wearing insect repellent on exposed skin. Indoor residual spraying, whereby repellent and insecticides are sprayed inside the house, can also be used to bring down the number of mosquitoes.  Another very effective technique for preventing malaria is to sleep under a long-lasting insecticide-treated bednet. The mesh acts as a barrier against the mosquitoes, and the insecticide impregnated in the mesh further repels the mosquitoes and prevents them from biting through the mesh.

Check the “Malaria Overview” section of malaria.com for a map showing where malaria is found, and for appropriate  preventive treatment. You can also look at the CDC website and consult your physician before traveling.