Malaria and its Prevention Malaria in humans is caused by protozoan species that are transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The disease is characterized by fever and flu-like symptoms, including chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur at intervals. Malaria may be associated with anemia and jaundice, and severe infections may cause kidney failure, coma, and death. All travelers to malarious areas of the world are advised to use personal protective measures and an appropriate drug regimen to prevent malaria. In most cases, malaria chemoprophylaxis should begin one to two weeks before travel to malarious areas. This allows any potential side effects to be evaluated and treated by the traveler's physician before departure. Chemoprophylaxis should continue during travel in the malarious areas and for four weeks after leaving the area. In the United States, commonly prescribed drugs for the prevention of malaria include mefloquine (Lariam), atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride (Malarone), chloroquine phosphate (Aralen), and doxycycline. Alternative drugs may also be available for special circumstances. At the ITMC, all decisions on medications for malaria prevention are made in consultation with our travel medicine physicians, and are individualized according to the traveler's medical history and specific itinerary.