Health officials are sounding the alarm as malaria cases among UK holidaymakers have surged to a 20-year high. The dramatic increase is attributed to the rise in travel to tropical regions where the potentially deadly disease is prevalent, leaving British tourists exposed to the infection.
In 2022, a staggering 2,004 travelers contracted malaria, a marked increase from the 1,369 cases reported in 2021, according to figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This concerning trend represents the first time since 2001 that malaria infections brought into England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from abroad have exceeded 2,000.
Experts emphasize the crucial need for travelers to prioritize their health and take necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites, the primary mode of malaria transmission. Malaria, a parasitic disease predominantly found in Africa, claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide each year, with an estimated 619,000 fatalities recorded in 2021.
Dr. Dipti Patel of the National Travel Health Network and Centre urges British travelers to seek information on malaria risks before embarking on their journeys. “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,” she advises.
The Travel Health Pro website, supported by the UKHSA, provides comprehensive information on health risks associated with various countries worldwide. Travelers are strongly advised to consult with healthcare professionals four to six weeks before their trip to receive guidance on vaccinations and other preventive measures.
Dr. Philip Veal from the UKHSA stresses the importance of taking proactive steps to minimize the risk of infection, including using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and utilizing treated bed nets. “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 notes.
Early detection of malaria is crucial, as initial symptoms often resemble those of the flu, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea. If left untreated, the disease can progress to organ failure, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
Officials attribute the surge in malaria cases to the resurgence of the disease in numerous countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there were approximately 249 million malaria cases in 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 16 million compared to 2019. Resumed international travel following the easing of pandemic restrictions is also believed to be a contributing factor.
The NHS advises holidaymakers to seek advice on malaria before traveling and highlights the possibility of being prescribed preventative antimalarial tablets, which should be taken a few days prior to departure. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and a single bite is sufficient to contract the disease. Malaria is prevalent in tropical regions, including Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America.
While malaria is not indigenous to the UK, it can be acquired through travel to affected areas. Symptoms typically manifest between 7 and 18 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, but in some cases, they may not appear for months or even years after exposure.
