Malaria

In 2023, there were an estimated 263 million cases of malaria worldwide.²

When bitten by infected mosquitoes which carry the malaria parasite.²

Most countries in Central and South America, Africa and Asia (see map).¹

Fever, headache, and chills. Symptoms usually occur between 10 and 15 days after being bitten, therefore you may start to feel ill when you are back home after your trip.²

Prompt treatment can stop the disease from getting worse.² But malaria can be a severe and potentially fatal disease, so quick diagnosis and treatment are vital. Severe cases can lead to seizures, mental confusion, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome and coma.³

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

• Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
• Use a recommended insect repellent containing either Picaridin, DEET, PMD or OLE (oil of lemon eucalyptus), IR3535 or 2-undecanone⁴
• Wear appropriate clothing (e.g loose fitting long-sleeved clothes, long trousers, socks and shoes) to minimise exposed skin^5,6
• Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets if you are sleeping or resting in accommodation without air-conditioning or sleeping outdoors during the day or night⁵