Inadequate chemoprophylaxis and the risk of malaria

Abstract

Background: Malaria is an important disease for Australian travellers, particularly to Papua New Guinea. Travellers often seek health advice from their general practitioner before travel or if they develop illness after travel.

Method: A retrospective cohort investigation into malaria risk in a group of adult Australians that trekked the Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea.

Results: Six of 38 group members were diagnosed with malaria on return from Papua New Guinea. None of the 12 individuals who took chemoprophylaxis for the recommended period post-travel developed malaria compared to 4/24 travellers who terminated prophylaxis prematurely or 2/2 who took no chemoprophylaxis.

Discussion: Chemoprophylaxis is effective if taken for the full recommended period following travel to a malaria endemic area; 4 weeks for doxycycline and mefloquine, and 7 days for atovaquone+proguanil. Malaria is a likely cause of illness in recently returned travellers from Papua New Guinea who develop a febrile illness.