British travellers have been warned about rising cases of malaria following the increase in overseas travel after pandemic restrictions were eased.
New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show an increase in malaria diagnosed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with reported cases exceeding 2,000 for the first time since 2001.
Cases were confirmed in individuals who had recently been abroad.
The agency said: “The number of cases highlights the importance of taking precautions to minimise the risk of malaria when traveling abroad.”
In 2023, there were 2,004 cases of malaria confirmed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland following travel abroad, compared to 1,369 in 2022.
The rise is linked to the resurgence of malaria in many countries and an increase in overseas travel following the removal of pandemic restrictions.
Malaria is caused by a parasite that can be passed to humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms can be non-specific and flu-like, including fever, headache, fatigue, abdominal discomfort and muscle aches.
The UKHSA said travellers can help protect themselves by following the ABCD of malaria prevention – ‘Awareness of risk, Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis and Diagnose promptly and treat without delay’.
UK travellers are reminded to seek and follow travel advice for their destination, which may include antimalarials and mosquito bite avoidance measures. There is no licensed vaccine against malaria for travellers, but vaccines are available for other travel-associated infections.
The Travel Health Pro website, supported by the UK Health Security Agency, has information on health risks in countries across the world.
In countries with insects that spread diseases such as malaria, dengue and zika, travellers can protect themselves by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under a treated bed net.
Professor Peter Chiodini, director of the UKHSA Malaria Reference Laboratory (MRL), 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.”
Dr Dipti Patel, director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, added: “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.”
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