Recommendations for prophylaxis are available from the practice nurse and are updated on a monthly basis. These simple guidelines will help you to avoid catching malaria and other insect borne diseases. They are safe and are very effective. Malaria mosquitoes are most active at dusk and night, so cover arms and legs between dusk and dawn. If your accommodation does not have insect screens or windows which close, sleep under a mosquito net.
Mosquito nets are more effective if impregnated with insecticide such as permethrin.
Do not sleep touching the net-the mosquito can bite through it if your skin is adjacent. Remember that during the day mosquitoes hide in the darker parts of the room, such as ceilings, rafters and under furniture, so just closing windows may not be sufficient. If necessary, use knock-down insecticide sprays. Try to clear the room of mosquitoes. Studies have showed clearly that malaria is much less likely to be severe at the time of diagnosis in patients who have taken prophylaxis than in those who have not.