Drug-free holidays: pre-travel versus during travel malaria chemoprophylaxis

Abstract

Although efficacious forms of malaria chemoprophylaxis currently exist, many travelers to malaria-endemic areas fail to use them effectively. We suggest that taking antimalarial medications prior to travel may prevent more malaria by improving compliance. Treatment regimens of antimalarial drugs taken prior to travel could protect persons for up to one month of exposure. We urge additional testing of pre-travel malaria chemoprophylaxis regimens.