Travelling to somewhere exotic anytime soon? If so then remember to check whether your destination is a malaria hotspot, as recent figures revealed that last year saw an increase in the number of people diagnosed with the disease.
The data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed that cases exceeded 2,000 for the first time since 2001, with most of those struck down by the illness having recently travelled abroad.
A closer look at the figures reveals that in 2023, there were 2,004 confirmed cases of malaria reported in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland among individuals who had travelled abroad, marking an increase from the 1,369 cases recorded in 2022.
This rise has been attributed to the resurgence of malaria in numerous countries and a surge in overseas travel after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. According to the World Health Organization, global malaria cases reached an estimated 249 million in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 16 million compared to 2019.
Professor Peter Chiodini, director of the UKHSA Malaria Reference Laboratory, said:
“All malaria cases are preventable and simple steps like using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, sleeping under treated bed nets and taking malaria prevention tablets can lower infection risks.
“While malaria can affect anyone, the majority of Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases in the UK occur in those of African background. Even if you have visited or lived in a country before, you will not have the same protection against infections as local people and are still at risk.
“We are working in partnership with communities at greater risk to improve their access to and use of effective malaria prevention measures.”
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening tropical disease caused by the plasmodium parasite that’s transmitted through mosquito bites.
Approximately 400,000 people die from malaria every year, with the majority of these deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, malaria is also present in South Asia and parts of Central and South America.
The disease is endemic in more than 100 countries and can cause severe complications, including digestive problems, high fever, muscle pain and convulsions.
In some cases, malaria can cause complications affecting multiple organs, such as the brain (cerebral malaria), lungs (pulmonary edema), kidneys (renal failure) and blood (severe anaemia). Each of these can prove to be fatal.
Some individuals are more at risk of experiencing complications. Pregnant women, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to developing severe malaria.
For these, if malaria is contracted, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent complications and reduce mortality rates associated with this life-threatening disease.
Speaking about the need to keep yourself safe if you’re travelling to a high-risk area, Dr Dipti Patel, director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, said:
“If you are making plans to travel abroad this year, please take a moment to prioritise your health and plan ahead.
“Check the relevant country information pages on our website, TravelHealthPro, and ideally speak to your GP or a travel health clinic four to six weeks ahead of travelling to ensure you have had all the necessary vaccinations and advice you need to ensure your trip is a happy and healthy one.
If left untreated, malaria can be fatal so if you’re travelling to a country where malaria can be an issue then you should follow Dr Patel’s advice and ensure you’re fully prepared.
Malaria Tablets
Also known as antimalarials, malaria tablets are preventative medications that help you avoid getting sick from the disease.
Although these medications don’t stop malaria from entering the body, antimalarials prevent the multiplication and spread of the parasite within the body, stopping the disease in its tracks and preventing symptoms from developing.
Although antimalarials aren’t 100 per cent effective, they significantly reduce your chances of becoming sick.
Having said that, in some parts of the world, the prevalent strains of malaria are resistant to certain medications. This means the type of antimalarial you should take will depend on where you’re travelling.
For example, in some countries, the disease is resistant to chloroquine, so if you were travelling to one of these destinations then you’d need to take a different medication as this wouldn’t be effective and you’d run the risk of getting sick.
Where Can You Get Antimalarials?
So with the choice of medication hinging on your travel destination, this highlights the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before settling on an antimalarial. This ensures you’re taking no chances as you’ll receive tailored protection based on both your travel specifics and medical history.
While antimalarials undoubtedly disrupt the parasite’s life cycle, they aren’t without potential side effects.
Nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness are common, although often temporary. Individual experiences may vary, but your consultant will be able to go over all this with you at the time of your consultation.
Moreover, potential interactions with other medications underscore the need for medical advice. So if you’re on regular medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist so they can decide on the most suitable antimalarial.
By consulting a healthcare professional before you buy malaria tablets, this ensures thorough protection from the disease while you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most malaria cases diagnosed in the UK are acquired during travel to countries where malaria is common. Increases in international travel and missed preventive measures, such as taking antimalarial tablets or avoiding mosquito bites, can contribute to higher case numbers.
Malaria is not normally transmitted within the UK because the mosquitoes that spread the disease are not established here. Almost all UK cases occur in people who have recently travelled to malaria-risk areas abroad.
Travellers can reduce their risk by taking the appropriate antimalarial medication, using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing after sunset, and sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets where recommended.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop a fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or flu-like symptoms during or after visiting a malaria-risk country. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of serious complications.