Malaria

Malaria is one of the biggest killers in the world today. According to the World Health Organisation over 350,000,000 cases of Malaria are reported every year. In bad years, that is over 1 million cases PER DAY.
From these reported cases there are over 1,000,000 deaths per year, in bad years this can rise to nearly 3,000,000.
Approximately two thirds of the reported cases are in Africa - more than three quarters of the reported deaths come from Africa too.

Tiny little parasites. 4 types of them in fact - with the latin names: Plasmodium Falciparum, Plasmodium Malaria, Plasmodium Ovale & Plasmodium Vivax

Mosquitoes carry the parasites and transmit malaria to people when they bite us.

Fever, sweating, chills, headaches and nausea.
Plus: Blood in stool samples, convulsions and coma.

Firstly:
Visit your doctor. Your doctor's office will have up to date information for the country you are visiting and will be able to prescibe you with tablets to help prevent infection.
You should start taking the medication prior to travel and continue taking it once you return, so don't leave it until the last minute to prepare.

Second:
Make sure your mosquito repellant is rated for use in High Risk areas.
As simple as this sounds, some repellants are more effective than others and you need to make sure you go with one with a high DEET content.
Natural sprays and wrist bands are tempting but they are not effective enough for areas that put you at a high risk of infection.
Seriously, Go with DEET.