Malarone for Malaria in Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro

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Malarone is the trade name for Atovaquone/proguanil, a mix of two antimalarial drugs atovaquone and proguanil. It is used to treat and prevent malaria by ingesting by the mouth

Since Tanzania is a malaria hotspot, you need to be on anti-malarial pills the moment you enter Tanzania.

Even though mosquitos cannot be found on altitudes above 1800m or 6000ft, you will not catch malaria while on the mountain but it could happen anywhere else in the country. Before and after you climb, think about the chances of contracting Malaria at the airport, at your place of accommodation, whether in Moshi or Arusha.

Malaria is spread by the female anopheles mosquito through mosquito bites. Malaria is a very serious killer disease and could lead to death.

You should seek your doctor’s advice concerning your anti-malaria medication, and prescription before you travel to Tanzania for your mountain climbing trip.

Malarone and Malaria On Kilimanjaro

Malarone is commonly used to combat malaria, please visit Hospital for Tropical Diseases to learn more about the few side effects of Malarone, the anti-malarial drug.

Taking anti-malaria drugs like Malarone and Larium does not necessarily prevent you 100% from getting malaria, you should also ensure that you do not get bitten by mosquitoes by carrying mosquito repellents

Below are the steps to undertake, to minimize the chances of contracting malaria in Tanzania, before your mountain climbing adventure.

Avoid staying outside in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active. Applying DEET mosquito repellent to your body
Sleeping in treated mosquito nets all the time.
Spray your room with insecticides, and treat clothes and bedding with mosquito repellent
Wearing long sleeves, trousers, and socks in the evenings

Please consult your doctor before taking Malarone or any antimalarial medication for your Mount Kilimanjaro trip in Tanzania.

Can I climb Kilimanjaro without taking malaria medication?

All visitors to East Africa, including newborns, kids, and ex-citizens of the region, may be at risk for contracting malaria.

By visiting your doctor for prescription antimalarial medication and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, you can prevent this dangerous illness.

How likely is it to contract malaria in Tanzania?

Although malaria transmission varies greatly across and within locations, the whole population of mainland Tanzania is thought to be at risk. In mainland Tanzania, 93% of people reside in locations where malaria is transmitted.

Why doesn’t Mount Kilimanjaro have malaria?

Kilimanjaro doesn’t require malaria pills. This is due to the extremely low likelihood that you may get malaria on the mountain. This is due to the anopheles mosquito—the kind that transmits malaria—finding it to be simply too high and cold.

Who shouldn’t use Malarone

Who should not take proguanil-atovaquone? Atovaquone-proguanil should not be taken by pregnant women, mothers who are breastfeeding infants under 5 kg, or infants under 5 kg. Atovaquone-proguanil should not be taken by anyone who has severe kidney disease.

How long is the Malarone effective?

The course should be started one or two days prior to traveling to a region where malaria is a possibility, taken daily throughout your stay, and continued for seven days after you leave the affected area.

When is the best time of day to take Malarone?

Every day, Malarone is taken. Take one pill daily beginning the day before you visit the malarious area, every day while there, and every day for seven days after you leave the area. This medication needs to be taken each day at the same time as a substantial meal or milk-based beverage.

Can you buy Malarone over the counter?

There are no over-the-counter versions of Malarone. Given that it is a prescription drug, a doctor must certify both that you can use it and that it will keep you free of malaria wherever you travel.

Can you catch Malaria twice?

Malaria can strike more than once. When traveling to a malaria location, you must take precautions even if you have previously had the sickness. People who grow up in a risk area do build some immunity, and as they age, they are less likely to have malaria.