Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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102. To ask the Minister for Health the countries for which the Health Service Executive recommends the use of Lariam or mefloquine, as the only medication to be taken as an anti-malarial; and the countries for which it recommends Lariam or mefloquine, as the first-line anti-malarial. [8701/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Information for travellers concerning health matters, including Malaria can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website and also on the Health Protection Surveillance Centre website. The websites are updated regularly taking into account the latest information available.

Malaria is prevalent in a number of countries. Before travelling people are advised to get up-to-date medical advice as to whether they will need anti-malarial medication, avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, use appropriate bed nets and repellents, and wear closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

As well as effective treatments for patients who contract malaria, there are effective prophylactic medications that can be taken to prevent the development of malaria. The type of prophylaxis depends on the area, local species of malaria, local pattern of anti-malarial drug resistance (which is increasing) and personal characteristics such as allergies and contraindications, including (for some drugs) pregnancy. Doctors can recommend which is the most suitable.

Unfortunately, no anti-malarial prophylaxis medication gives complete protection. Malaria may be contracted despite taking anti-malarial prophylaxis. If it is taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, without missing doses, there is a high likelihood of avoiding malaria. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the regulatory authority for medicines in Ireland. As part of its monitoring of the safety of medicines, the HPRA operates an adverse reaction reporting system, where healthcare professionals and people are encouraged to report adverse reactions they consider may be associated with their medication.