For how long should chloroquine be continued after travel?

Chloroquine is a medication primarily used for the prevention and treatment of malaria, particularly in areas where malaria is endemic. The correct duration for continuing chloroquine after travel is typically four weeks.

This duration is based on the life cycle of the malaria parasite. After exposure to infected mosquitoes, it can take some time for the parasites to establish in the body and for symptoms to develop. The post-travel continuation of chloroquine for four weeks is aimed at ensuring that any potential infection that may not have shown symptoms immediately after returning is effectively managed.

Extending chloroquine use for less than four weeks may not adequately cover the incubation period of malaria, potentially allowing an infection to develop without proper treatment. Maintaining the regimen for four weeks reflects the standard clinical guidelines to minimize the risk of malaria infection post-travel, especially when returning from high-risk areas.