yes. all children including young infants living in or traveling to malaria risk areas should take antimalarial drugs (for example chloroquine and mefloquine [lariam]). although the recommendations for most antimalarial drugs are the same as for adults it is crucial to use the correct dosage for the child. the dosage of drug depends on the age and weight of the child. a specialist in pediatric infectious diseases is recommended for consultation in prophylaxis (prevention) and treatment of children. since an overdose of an antimalarial drug can be fatal all antimalarial (and all other) drugs should be stored in childproof containers well out of the child's reach.
is malaria a particular problem for children?