Malaria Vaccination In London
Malaria maps and specific malaria advice for each country affected by malaria is available on the individual country pages
Table of Contents
Introduction
Malaria is a serious parasite infection that is transmitted by the bite of female mosquitoes. The parasites are microscopic and found in the blood of infected people. There are different types of malaria parasite and although the infection they cause is similar. ‘Falciparum’ malaria is the one that causes the most severe infection.
Symptoms of malaria:
A = Awareness of risk
Malaria is widespread in many tropical and subtropical countries.
- Find out if there is a risk of malaria in the country you intend to visit on the malaria section on each country page:
- if malaria is present, there will also be a map showing the malaria-affected areas in that country at the moment (note that risk areas can change)
The risk is described as:
Be aware that the risk of malaria can vary within different parts of the same country, between neighbouring countries, and at different times of year.
Risk for travellers
Every person regardless of their origins who visits a country where malaria is present is at risk of catching malaria.
Increased risk of catching malaria
Some groups of people are at increased risk of catching malaria because of the type of travel they are undertaking. These groups include:
- people who are travelling to visit friends or relatives
- those planning a longer stay in rural areas
- longer term travellers to areas with malaria
Increased risk of developing severe malaria
There are also groups of people who are at an increased risk of developing severe malaria if they catch the infection. These include:
- pregnant women
- babies and children
- older people
- people with conditions that affect the immune system
- people without a spleen
- people with certain medical conditions
B = Bite Prevention
Protecting yourself against mosquito bites is essential.
Mosquitoes that transmit malaria typically bite at night, after sunset.
Take practical measures to avoid mosquito bites including:
C = Chemoprophylaxis (taking malaria prevention tablets)
Find out the risk of malaria in the country you intend to visit by checking the malaria section on each country page.
For countries with a high risk:
For countries with a low risk with additional advice:
For countries with a low to no risk:
Protecting yourself against mosquito bites is as important as taking antimalarial tablets. This is because:
How to take antimalarial tablets:
You should begin taking antimalarial tablets before arriving in a malaria-risk area as guided by your travel health professional.
It is important to take the tablets regularly and as directed – missing tablets can lead to malaria infection.
You must complete the course of tablets even after you have left the malaria area:
In the UK, antimalarial tablets require a prescription, except for:
D = Diagnosis and prompt treatment
Quick diagnosis and access to prompt treatment for malaria saves lives. The most serious forms of malaria can become life-threatening within 24 hours.
If you think you might have malaria it is very important to seek medical attention urgently.
Some types of malaria can develop many months after you have visited a malaria affected country:
Emergency Standby Treatment for Malaria
If you are travelling to remote or rural areas of a malaria-risk country where you will be unable to access medical care quickly, or to an area where available medical facilities have limited resources or offer low standards of care, then you may be advised by a travel health professional to carry a course of standby emergency treatment (SBET) for malaria.