12 June 2006

 

Malaria imported into the United Kingdom in 2005: implications for those advising travellers

 

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported on cases of malaria imported into the UK during 2005. The figures were compiled by the HPA Malaria Reference Laboratory and are in the Communicable Disease Report (CDR) Weekly dated 8 June 2006 [1].

In 2005, a total of 1,754 cases of malaria were reported, of which more than 70% of cases were caused by the most severe form of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum. Where the geographic region was known, 84% of all cases originated from Africa and 13% from Asia. Eleven people died including two children, both of whom were visiting friends and relatives.

A history of malaria chemoprophylaxis was recorded for 884 cases, and of these 693 (78%) were taking no prophylaxis, and many of the remainder were taking inappropriate prophylaxis. Where the reason for travel is known, 77% of travellers normally resident in the UK were travelling for the purpose of visiting 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, and take appropriate chemoprophylaxis as well as exercise other measures to protect against mosquito bites. Health professionals should pay particular attention to travellers who are at high risk of contracting malaria which includes those visiting friends and relatives in Africa and Asia.

Reference

1. Health Protection Agency. Malaria imported into the United Kingdom in 2005: implications for those advising travellers. Commun Dis Rep CDR Wkly 2006; 16: 23. Available online at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/cdr/pages/news.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/travel/factsheets/index.htm

NaTHNaC Malaria chemoprophylaxis information sheet http://www.NaTHNaC.org/travel/factsheets/

malaria_chemoprophylaxis.htm