It is important to understand that malaria can be effectively treated early in the course of the disease, but delaying appropriate therapy can have serious or even fatal consequences. Your itinerary and degree of exposure to mosquitoes will determine your drug therapy. Remember, a single bite is sufficient to infect you. You should see your health care provider 4-6 weeks before you plan to travel outside the United States or Canada to find out what prescriptions you and your family may need. Because of the nocturnal feeding habits of Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria transmission occurs primarily between dusk and dawn.
Mosquitoes are also present in shady areas and on cloudy days.
To reduce your contact with mosquitoes, remain in well-screened areas, use mosquito nets, and wear clothes that cover most of the body. It is recommended to use insect repellent on any exposed areas of skin. DEET may be absorbed through the skin into the systemic circulation, and toxic and allergic reactions have been reported. Prolonged or excessive application of any insect repellent should be avoided. The long-term effects are unknown.