Every year approximately 2,000 British travellers return home with malaria and the UK is one of the biggest importers of malaria among industrialised countries.
The most severe form of malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) is on the increase amongst British travellers and in 2006 approximately 80% of travellers returning to the UK with malaria had this most deadly form. An average of nine British travellers die each year from malaria, which is a preventable disease.
A simple approach to malaria prevention is called the ABCD :
A: Awareness of risk
B: Bite reduction
C: Commence preventative medication before travel
D: Diagnose and treat promptly if prevention fails
It is essential that you visit your GP, Practice Nurse or Travel Clinic to discuss your precise travel plans as the drugs used for prevention vary depending upon the area visited. When the appropriate drugs are taken, these are between 90 and 100% effective when used in conjunction with the advice above.
Should you feel unwell on return from a malarious area, it is essential that you seek urgent medical advice and give full details of the areas that you have visited on your travels to the health care professional.
Further information may be found at: