Travelers are being urged to check vaccination and medication requirements before embarking on their summer holidays following a notable increase in travel-acquired malaria cases. According to data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in April, the number of imported malaria cases diagnosed in 2023 surpassed 2,000 for the first time in over two decades.

Malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, manifests with symptoms like fever, headaches, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. While there is no licensed malaria vaccine, the use of anti-malarial tablets is recommended for travel to specific regions. Additionally, vaccines may be necessary to prevent other infections that can be contracted while traveling.

The 2,004 confirmed cases across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland were identified in individuals who had recently traveled abroad, marking a significant increase of 635 cases compared to the previous year. The World Health Organization reported in 2022 that global malaria cases had exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 16 million, totaling an estimated 249 million diagnoses.

Malaria is prevalent in extensive regions of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, parts of the Middle East, and select Pacific islands. UKHSA has advised travelers to adhere to travel health recommendations for their holiday destinations, including taking antimalarials and implementing measures to avoid mosquito bites.

Professor Peter Chiodini, director of the UKHSA Malaria Reference Laboratory (MRL), emphasized the preventable nature of all malaria cases. Simple precautions such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, sleeping under treated bed nets, and taking malaria prevention tablets can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Boots, a prominent UK health retailer, suggests scheduling an appointment up to eight weeks before traveling for necessary vaccinations or antimalarial medication. Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots, stressed the importance of safeguarding health during travel by following recommended preventive measures based on the travel destination, planned activities, age, and overall health.