Updated Malaria Advice for India

03 Dec 2012

Changes to the malaria advice and malaria map for India have been published on fitfortravel today. This is the result of work that has been carried out over the past few months by the Health Protection Scotland Travel and International Health Team and the Scottish Malaria Advisory Group.

The main change is that HPS is recommending prescription only antimalarial medication as first choice for travellers to risk areas in India, as opposed to over-the-counter medication. HPS recognises that other authorities outwith Scotland continue to recommend chloroquine plus proguanil as first choice antimalarials for risk areas and therefore the advice may differ depending on where you live.

One of the key messages put across on the back of this change is that travellers should consult a health professional at least 6-8 weeks in advance of their trip in order to allow time for pre-travel preparations, including health advice, antimalarial medication and any necessary vaccinations.