753 Travelers Returned to the U.K. with Malaria

As the holiday season 2024 approaches, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminds international travelers heading abroad to take precautions against mosquito-transmitted diseases, such as malaria.

Malaria is typically transmitted in tropical and subtropical areas, where anopheles mosquitoes can survive.

UKHSA provisional data as of December 2024 indicate that 753 travel-acquired malaria cases were reported in the UK between January and June 2024. The majority of these patients were located in the London area.

The annual malaria report for 2023 shows that 2,106 cases of imported malaria were reported in the UK. This is 26% higher than the cases reported in 2022 and the highest total number of cases seen in the UK since 2001.

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease that is almost entirely preventable when malaria prevention tablets are taken appropriately. 

Dr. Dipti Patel, Director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre commented in a media release, "People traveling abroad during the Christmas break should plan to ensure they have a safe and healthy trip... and consult a GP, pharmacy, or travel health clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before the trip."

"This is to ensure that your vaccinations are current and that you receive any necessary health advice."

Furthermore, two malaria vaccines are now being deployed in Africa, where 90% of infections are reported.