MALARIA cases in UK holidaymakers are at their highest for 20 years, health chiefs have warned.
An increase in travel to tropical countries where the potentially fatal disease is rife has left British tourists vulnerable to the infection.
New figures from the UK Health Security Agency revealed 2,004 travelers caught the mosquito bug last year – up from 1369 in 2022.
This is the first time infections brought into England, Wales and Northern Ireland from abroad have been above 2,000 since 2001.
Travelers are being reminded to “plan ahead” and take precautions to avoid being bitten this summer.
Malaria kills hundreds of thousands of people globally every year, with 619,000 deaths recorded in 2021.
The parasitic disease, most common in Africa, is not contagious between people and can be prevented.
‘Prioritize your heath’
Dr Philip Veal, from UKHSA, warned Brits traveling abroad to be aware of the risks and to avoid the critters by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under a treated bed net.
“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,” he added.
Dr Dipti Patel from the National Travel Health Network and Center urged holidaygoers to make sure they have the right necessary vaccinations, repellants and medications.
“If you are making plans to travel abroad this year, please take a moment to prioritize your health and plan ahead.
“Check the relevant country information pages on our website, TravelHealthPro.”
The Travel Health Pro website, which is supported by the UKHSA, provides information on health risks in countries around the world.
It recommends travelers should consult a GP, nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic four to six weeks before their trip for advice on vaccinations.
Early warning signs of the disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and nausea.
Without treatment, these can lead to organ failure, which can be fatal.
Officials are blaming the increase in cases on the resurgence of malaria in many countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there were 249 million malaria cases in 2022 – surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 16 million compared to 2019.
They also say a revival of overseas travel following the removal of pandemic restrictions is likely behind it.
The NHS tells holidaymakers to check for malaria before traveling and says you may be prescribed preventive antimalarial tablets that you should start taking a few days before you go.
Where am I at risk of malaria? And what are the symptoms?
Malaria is caused by being bitten by an infected mosquito. It can take just 1 bite to get it.
The infection is very common in certain parts of the world.
It’s found in tropical regions, including:
- large areas of Africa and Asia
- Central and South America
- Dominican Republic and Haiti
- Parts of the Middle East
- Some Pacific islands
Malaria is not found in the UK and you cannot catch it from another person.
Symptoms of malaria
Malaria can be hard to spot, but symptoms include:
- A high temperature, sweats and chills
- Headaches and feeling confused
- Feeling very tired and sleepy (especially in children)
- Feeling and being sick, tummy pain and diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pains
- Yellow skin or whites of the eyes
- A sore throat, cough and difficulty breathing
These symptoms usually appear between 7 and 18 days after you’ve been bitten by an infected mosquito.
But sometimes you may not have symptoms for months after travel, and rarely years.
Source: NHS
Tags: Urgent travel warning Brit holidaymakers cases malaria caught hit #20year high
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