8 May 2007

Health Protection Agency malaria statistics 2006

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published the figures on cases of malaria imported into the United Kingdom (UK) during 2006 [1]. These figures were compiled by the HPA Malaria Reference Laboratory.

During 2006, 1,758 cases of malaria were reported in travellers who returned to the UK, eight of which were fatal. Plasmodium falciparum, the most serious strain of malaria, accounted for 1,386 of the cases (79%) and all of the fatalities, while P. vivax accounted for 219 (12%) cases.

Information as to whether patients had taken malaria chemoprophylaxis was available for 917 (52%) of the cases. Of these, 740 (81%) had not taken any chemoprophylaxis. In addition, many of those who had taken chemoprophylaxis had not taken medications recommended by the HPA Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention in UK Travellers (ACMP).

Where the reason for travel was known, 57% of cases were individuals who had travelled to malaria endemic areas (usually in West Africa and South Asia) to visit friends and relatives.

The findings from this report emphasise the need for travellers to seek pre-travel advice about the malaria risk at their destination, to take appropriate malaria chemoprophylaxis, and to follow measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Health professionals should pay particular attention to travellers who are at increased risk of contracting malaria, which includes those visiting friends and relatives in West Africa and South Asia.

References

1. Health Protection Agency. Malaria reported into the United Kingdom in 2006: Implications for those advising travellers. Health Protection Report. Vol 1, No. 18. 1 June 2007. Available at:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/news/default.htm#malaria  

Links

HPA Malaria Reference Laboratory:

http://www.malaria-reference.co.uk

HPA Advisory Committee on Malaria Prevention for UK Travellers (ACMP) Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the United Kingdom. Available online at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/malaria/

guidelines.htm

NaTHNaC Malaria information sheet: http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/factsheets/malaria.htm

NaTHNaC Malaria chemoprophylaxis information sheet: http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/factsheets/malariaproph.htm

NaTHNaC Insect bite avoidance information sheet:

http://www.nathnac.org/travel/factsheets/iba.htm