Malaria Prevention in Sierra Leone 2026 — Everything Visitors Must Know

Essential malaria prevention guide for Sierra Leone visitors. Which antimalarials to take, mosquito protection, symptoms and treatment in 2026.

Malaria Risk in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is in the high malaria transmission zone of West Africa. Plasmodium falciparum — the most dangerous malaria strain — is endemic year-round, with peak transmission during and just after the rainy season (May–November). Every visitor must take this seriously, regardless of how short your trip is.

Recommended Antimalarials for Sierra Leone

Consult your travel doctor or GP at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Common options include:

• Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone): Start 1–2 days before arrival, take daily, continue 7 days after leaving. Fewer side effects, well-tolerated, expensive.
• Doxycycline: Start 2 days before, take daily throughout, continue 4 weeks after. Cheap and effective, but increases sun sensitivity and can cause nausea — take with food.
• Mefloquine (Lariam): Weekly dose. Start 2–3 weeks before travel. Can cause vivid dreams and mood changes — check your history before choosing.

Note: Chloroquine resistance is widespread in Sierra Leone — chloroquine-based prophylaxis is NOT recommended.

Physical Protection: Mosquito Barriers

• Sleep under a DEET-treated mosquito net every night — Hariom Yogi provides nets in all rooms
• Apply DEET repellent (30%+) to all exposed skin, especially at dusk and dawn
• Wear long sleeves and trousers after sunset
• Use permethrin-treated clothing for extended stays
• Keep room windows and doors closed at night, or use air conditioning

Recognising Malaria Symptoms

Malaria typically presents 7–30 days after infection. Key symptoms include: high fever (often 39–40°C), chills and sweating, severe headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. If you develop any of these symptoms — even months after leaving Sierra Leone — seek medical attention immediately and mention you were in a malaria zone.

Getting Treatment in Lungi / Freetown

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria are widely available at pharmacies in Lungi and Freetown. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) — the first-line treatment — is available at local pharmacies. For serious cases, Choithram's Hospital or Connaught Hospital in Freetown are the main facilities. Ask our team for local clinic contacts in Lungi.