Malaria Prophylaxis in NYC
Malaria is preventable with the right medication, but choosing the correct anti-malarial requires expert knowledge of your destination, itinerary, and health history. Our travel medicine physicians prescribe and counsel on all major malaria prophylaxis options.
Why Malaria Prophylaxis Requires Expert Guidance
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It remains one of the most serious health risks for international travelers, killing hundreds of thousands of people each year, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa, but also in parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
No single anti-malarial medication is right for every traveler. The choice depends on your specific destination and regions visited, the drug resistance patterns of local malaria strains, your personal health history and current medications, the length and nature of your trip, and your tolerance for side effects. Our travel medicine physicians, including an on-staff infectious disease specialist, will match you with the right regimen and walk you through proper dosing, timing, and what to do if you develop symptoms during or after travel.
Malaria Prevention Medications We Prescribe
Malaria Risk by Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
The highest malaria burden in the world. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended for virtually all destinations, including urban areas in many countries. P. falciparum, the most dangerous species, predominates.
South & Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Cambodia
Risk varies greatly by country and region. Urban centers like Bangkok, Bali, and Delhi are generally low risk, while rural, forested, and border areas carry significant risk. Drug-resistant strains present in parts of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand borders.
Amazon Basin & Latin America
Risk concentrated in jungle and rainforest areas. Brazil's Amazon states, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru's lowlands carry meaningful risk. Tourist destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Lima, and Buenos Aires are malaria-free.
Central America & Caribbean
Generally lower risk than South America or Africa. Haiti and the Dominican Republic have a unique chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum strain. Mexico risk is limited to rural areas of specific states.
Middle East & Central Asia
Limited malaria transmission in parts of Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Most tourist destinations in the Middle East have no malaria risk. Your physician will advise based on your specific itinerary.
North Africa & East Asia
Very limited transmission. Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are generally malaria-free for tourists. China has significantly reduced malaria, though remote rural areas carry some risk. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are malaria-free.
Malaria Prophylaxis FAQ
Can I just use mosquito repellent instead of medication?
Mosquito protection, including DEET-based repellents, permethrin-treated clothing, and bed nets, significantly reduces your risk and should always be used in malaria-endemic areas. However, for high-risk destinations, repellent alone is not considered adequate protection. Anti-malarial medication and mosquito avoidance together provide the best defense.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Malaria typically presents with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, symptoms that can easily be mistaken for the flu. Onset is usually 7–30 days after the infectious mosquito bite, but some strains can lie dormant for months. If you develop fever during or after travel to a malaria-endemic area, seek medical evaluation immediately and inform the treating physician of your travel history.
How long do I need to take anti-malarials after returning?
This depends on the medication. Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is taken for 7 days after leaving the malaria-endemic area. Doxycycline and mefloquine are taken for 4 weeks after return. Your physician will give you a complete dosing schedule at your consultation.
Is anti-malarial medication covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Some plans cover prescription anti-malarials under preventive benefits; others do not. Generic doxycycline is generally inexpensive even without coverage. We recommend calling your insurer ahead of time, and our staff can assist with prior authorization if needed.
Get the Right Malaria Prescription for Your Trip
Book a pre-travel consultation. Bring your itinerary and any current medications.
Schedule a Consultation Or call: 212-982-1600