Malaria Prophylaxis

Malaria chemoprophylaxis should be used in moderate-risk malaria-endemic areas in South Africa from September to May, both together with preventive measures against mosquito bites. Risk maps are provided in the National Guidelines for the Prevention of Malaria (2018). It is recommended that persons intending to travel to malaria-endemic areas outside of South Africa take the relevant chemoprophylaxis. There are moderate- and high-risk areas in neighbouring countries.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• Doxycycline (children > 8 years), oral, 2.2 mg/kg (maximum 100 mg) daily.
  • Begin 2 days before travel; continue daily during travel, and for 4 weeks after leaving the area.

Children under 8 years: Refer to the National Guidelines for the Prevention of Malaria (2018) for alternative chemoprophylaxis options, which have to be procured in the private sector.

Preventative measures against mosquito bites include:

• Use of treated mosquito nets, screens, coils or pads.
• Application of a N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide or N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
• Wearing long sleeves, long trousers and socks if outside between dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are most active at this time.
• Visiting endemic areas only during the dry season.

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CAUTION
Pregnant women and children under 5 years of age should avoid visiting malaria-endemic areas, as they are more prone to the serious complications of malaria.

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Click here for the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa Paediatric Hospital _2023, 5th edition_Updated October 2024 

Chapter 8: Infective/Infectious Diseases,  8.9.4 Malaria prophylaxis