About Malaria
Malaria, a life-threatening disease, is caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Among the five parasite species causing malaria in humans, P. falciparum and P. vivax pose the most significant threats.
In 2019, an estimated 229 million malaria cases and 409,000 deaths occurred worldwide, with children under five being the most vulnerable group. Preventive measures include taking antimalarial medication before travel, using outdoor insect repellent, sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito activity times.
How to Avoid Malaria
For travellers heading to malaria-prone areas, seeking advice from our travel specialists through the travel health advice service is crucial, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before travel but also available at the last minute if needed.
Assessment of malaria risk and recommended preventive measures, including antimalarial drugs and mosquito bite prevention, will be provided. Key recommendations include:
- Begin antimalarial medicine as prescribed, starting a few days before travel and continuing for a few weeks upon return.
- Use insect repellent with at least 50% DEET on the skin.
- Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
Who's Most at Risk:
It’s vital to seek advice before travel if at higher risk of severe illness from malaria, including pregnant individuals, young children, those over 65, individuals with a weakened immune system, and those without a spleen. Antimalarial medicine may be prescribed even when traveling to low-risk areas.
