Malaria-Infected Travelers Continue Returning to the UK

Every year, malaria-infected travelers return to the UK after visiting countries in Africa. Last year, 2,106 malaria cases, with six deaths, were reported in the UK by returning travelers. This data is 26% higher than confirmed in 2022.

With the winter holiday season licking off, UK health officials are preparing for an influx of malaria cases.

To better treat these people, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) UK Malaria Expert Advisory Group recently published updated Malaria prevention guidelines for travelers from the UK.

This information is also helpful for travelers interested in antimalarial options.

As of December 3, 2024, the UKHSA says these enhanced malaria guidelines are a practical resource for health professionals advising travelers to Africa. Get pre-travel advice as soon as possible, ideally four to six weeks before you travel, although last-minute advice is still important if time is short.

While Heathrow Airport is England's busiest international depot, numerous healthcare providers are in the surrounding cities, ready to offer pre- and post-trip travel vaccine advice.

And for travel insights, malaria maps for the Central African Republic, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have also been created, and an enhanced map for South Africa has been produced.

Also, as of December 9, 2024, two malaria vaccines are being offered in Africa, with limited distribution elsewhere.