What is malaria?
An average of nine people die each
year in the UK as a result of malaria,
Malaria is an infectious disease
and this is largely preventable.
caused by a parasite that is carried by
the female Anopheles mosquito. It is
How can it be prevented?
still a major cause of ill-health and
death in many tropical and subtropical
areas.
As travel to such countries is
increasing so are the numbers of
people suffering from malaria. Every
year over 2000 people who return to
the UK after being abroad are infected
with malaria.
How does it spread?
The mosquito becomes infected when
it bites and feeds from an already
infected person. The parasite
develops in the mosquito, and after
about one week it is transmitted in the
saliva to a new host.
Most species feed at dusk and during
early night hours; some have biting
peaks around midnight or the early
hours of the morning.
There are four different types which
infect humans. They are known as
Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium
vivax, Plasmodium malariae and
Plasmodium ovale. The most serious
disease is caused by P. falciparum
and is potentially fatal.
is essential to check with your GP
Awareness: know about the risk of
malaria. Discuss travel plans with
your GP well in advance.
Bites by mosquitoes: prevent or
avoid
• Use mosquito repellents. Insect
repellents containing over 30%
DEET are effective and should
be applied to exposed skin.
• Impregnating cotton garments
with 30ml DEET in 250ml of
water makes them repellent
• Refined lemon eucalyptus oil
on the skin also repels
mosquitoes
• Wear long-sleeved garments,
long trousers and socks after
sunset
• In rural areas sleep under a
bed net, preferably
impregnated with pyrethrum;
ensure it is long enough to tuck
under the mattress.
• Synthetic pyrethroids should be
vapourised overnight.
Chemoprophylaxis.There are many
types of anti-malarial tablets, and
the choice will depend upon to
which country you are travelling. It
or travel clinic.
• It is important to start taking the
tablets 1-3 weeks before travel,
and to continue for four weeks
after return
• Take antimalarials at regular
intervals, after meals and with
water to minimise side effects
Diagnose and treat promptly. Seek
medical attention in the event of a
fever during and up to one year
after travel to a malarious area.
Ensure that your doctor is aware of
past travel.
What are the symptoms?
The incubation period can vary
between 7 and 30 days depending
upon the type. Occasionally symptoms
may not appear for months, but can
include:
♦ Flu like symptoms
♦ Fever/chills/sweats
♦ Cough
♦ Diarrhoea
♦ Headache
♦ Aching joints and muscles
In travellers who develop fever or
flu-like illness within three months
after possible exposure to malaria Information produced by:

the need for prompt medical Health Protection Team

treatment cannot be Directorate of Public Health &
Health Policy
overemphasised. NHS Highland
Assynt House
Beechwood Park
Inverness
Useful web site: IV2 3BW
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Further copies of this leaflet can be

obtained from:

Tara MacKenzie
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 01463 704886
E-mail: tara.mackenzie@nhs.net

Date issued: Feb 2014

Review date: Feb 2016