Clinical Updates
25 April 2008
Malaria imported into the United Kingdom in 2007
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published figures on cases of malaria imported into the United Kingdom (UK) during 2007 [1]. These figures were compiled by the HPA Malaria Reference Laboratory. The publication of this information coincides with the first World Malaria Day initiated by the World Health Assembly. World Malaria Day aims to highlight malaria as a global health issue and recognise international efforts in controlling malaria which kills more than one million people each year worldwide.
During 2007, 1,548 cases of malaria were reported in returned UK travellers, visitors and new entrants to the UK; five cases were fatal. Plasmodium falciparum, the most serious strain of malaria, accounted for 1139 (73%) of cases and four deaths, and P. vivax for 256 (16%) and one death. Deaths due to P. vivax infections are rare and are usually associated with co-morbidity.
Information as to whether travellers had taken malaria prevention tablets was available for 844 cases. Of these, 81% (704) of travellers had not taken malaria prevention tablets. A high proportion of the remainder took tablets that were inappropriate for the destination according to HPA Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention guidelines.
Amongst those normally resident in the UK where a reason for travel was known, 72% (549/770) of malaria cases occurred in those visiting friends and relatives in Africa or South Asia.
Advice for travellers
Travellers should seek pre-travel advice about the risk of malaria at their destination, take effective malaria prevention tablets, and take measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Health professionals need to pay particular attention to travellers who are at increased risk of contracting malaria which includes those visiting friends and relatives.
Advice on the malaria risk in specific countries can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages, or in the HPA Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention guidelines.
Any traveller who develops a febrile illness during their trip to malaria risk areas or in the year following return should be promptly evaluated and have a blood test for malaria without delay.
References
1. Health Protection Agency. Malaria imported into the United Kingdom in 2007: Implications for those advising travellers. Health Protection Report. Vol 2, No 17. 25 April 2008. Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/news/default.htm#mal
Links
HPA Malaria Reference Laboratory
Health Protection Agency Malaria page
HPA ACMP Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the United Kingdom
NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet on Malaria
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