[Prevention of malaria in the adult]

Great scourge of poor countries, malaria is the most important tropical parasitic disease. It is responsible for a large number of deaths in concerned countries and represents a real danger for travellers going to endemic regions. So, prophylactic measures are essential. On the one hand protective measures against mosquito bites, by wearing covering clothes, by using repellents and bed net (eventually impregnated with insecticide) will be useful. On the other hand, chemoprophylaxis is most often necessary, adapted to the possibility of chloroquine resistant P. falciparum, to the length or conditions of travel, and to the traveller's antecedents and age. Special concern about pregnant woman is necessary, due to potential severity of malaria. Chemoprophylaxis needs to be continued after coming back, for a duration depending on the drug used. Unfortunately, no prophylaxis is 100% effective, and the appearance of fever during the travel or two to three months after return requires medical advice. In some circumstances, it is necessary to prescribe a stand-by emergency treatment, if no quick medical advice is possible.