Malaria cases rising in UK following an increase in overseas travel

New data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows a concerning rise in malaria cases diagnosed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, reaching 2,000 reported cases for the first time since 2001 

The figures revealed just ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25, highlight the importance of travellers taking precautions to minimise the risk of malaria when travelling abroad.

Continued rise in malaria cases 

In 2023, a total of 2,004 malaria cases were confirmed among individuals who had recently travelled abroad, showing a significant increase from 1,369 cases recorded in 2022. 

This rise is directly linked to the revival of malaria in various countries and a rise in overseas travel following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions.

What is malaria and why is it spreading? 

Malaria, a disease caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, manifests with symptoms that can mimic flu-like illnesses, including fever, headache, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, muscle aches, cough, and diarrhoea. 

One particular concern is malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which can progress rapidly and lead to life-threatening complications if not treated properly.

To mitigate the risk of malaria, health experts emphasise following the ABCD of malaria prevention:

• Awareness of risk: Travelers should be aware of the malaria risk in their destination and seek appropriate advice.
• Bite prevention: Use insect repellents, cover exposed skin, and sleep under treated bed nets.
• Chemoprophylaxis: Take malaria prevention tablets as prescribed.
• Diagnose promptly and treat: Seek immediate medical attention if malaria symptoms develop.

Preventing the risk of getting malaria

Professor Peter Chiodini, Director of the UKHSA Malaria Reference Laboratory (MRL), emphasised that all malaria cases are preventable through straightforward measures like using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and taking prescribed medication.

The Travel Health Pro website, supported by the UK Health Security Agency, is a good resource for travellers, providing essential information on health risks in countries worldwide. 

Travellers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals, such as general practitioners, pharmacists, or travel clinics, 4 to 6 weeks before their trip for personalised advice and, if necessary, malaria prevention tablets.

It is important to note that even individuals who have previously visited or lived in malaria-endemic regions are not immune and remain at risk. 

For travellers feeling unwell during their trip, seeking medical assistance quickly is crucial. When returning to the UK, individuals should inform healthcare providers of recent travel history if experiencing symptoms.

Efforts are underway to collaborate with communities at higher risk to enhance access to effective malaria prevention measures.