Malaria and malarial prophylaxis for Kilimanjaro
You are highly unlikely to contract malaria on Kilimanjaro, which is too high and
cold for the anopheles mosquito (the species that carries malaria). Nevertheless,
Malaria is a problem in Tanzania, which is considered one of the highest risk countries
in the world. Malaria is particularly rife in coastal areas and on Zanzibar. There’s
even some cases just south of Moshi.
When beginning a course of anti-malarials for Tanzania, it is very important to begin
taking them before you go; that way the drug is established in your system by the
time you set foot on Tanzanian soil and it will give you a chance to see if the drug
is going to cause a reaction or allergy. Once started, complete the full course,
which usually runs for several weeks after you return home.
Which anti-malarial you need depends on which parts of Africa you are visiting and
your previous medical history. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what drug
is best for you. With Tanzania in the highest risk category, the chances are you
will be recommended either Lariam (the brand name for mefloquine), Doxycycline or
the new drug Malarone, which is supposedly free of side effects but very expensive.
Stories of Lariam causing hallucinations, nightmares, blindness and even death have
been doing the rounds in travellers’ circles for years now but if you feel no adverse
reaction – and millions don’t – carry on taking them and don’t worry. Incidentally,
there is some anecdotal evidence that taking malarone can affect the efficacy of
Diamox. Ask your doctor if he has any views on this.
Of course the best way to combat malaria is not to get bitten at all. A repellent
with 30% Diethyltoluamide (DEET) worn in the evenings when the malarial anopheles
mosquito is active should be effective in preventing bites. Some use it during the
day too, when the mosquitoes that carry yellow and dengue fevers are active. Alternatively,
you could just keep covered up with long sleeve shirts and long trousers, sleep under
a mosquito net and burn mosquito coils; these are available within Tanzania.
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