Malaria in UK jumps by 46% post-pandemic

MALARIA cases among returning travellers have reached their highest level in over two decades.

They exceeded 2,000 last year for the first time since 2001.

Some 2,004 infections were reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2023, up 46% from the previous year.

The UK Health Security Agency said the rise was linked to a resurgence in many destinations and travel resuming after the pandemic.

There were 249 million cases globally in 2022, an increase of 16 million compared with 2019, according to theWorld Health Organisation.

Eradication

Professor Peter Chiodini, director of the UKHSA Malaria Reference Laboratory, said: “All malaria cases are preventable and simple steps like using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, sleeping under treated bed nets and taking malaria prevention tablets can lower infection risks.

He said the majority of the deadliest plasmodium falciparum malaria cases in the UK occur in those of African background.

Prof Chiodini added: “Even if you have visited or lived in a country before, you will not have the same protection against infections as local people and are still at risk.”

The mosquito-borne disease claims around 600,000 lives annually, primarily among African children.

But hopes have been raised that it could one day be eliminated thanks to game-changing British vaccines.

Two jabs, made by pharma giant GSK and Oxford University, have been cleared by the WHO for widespread use.

Professor Sir Adrian Hill, lead researcher on Oxford’s R21/Matrix-M vaccine, will present new data at a conference in Rwanda this week.

He said the jab “represents a paradigm shift”. Last year Sir Adrian declared “eradication of malaria could be feasible in 10 years”.

Malaria causes symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, abdominal discomfort and muscle aches.

Dr Dipti Patel, at the National Travel Health Network and Centre, urged travellers to check country information and speak to a medic “four to six weeks ahead of travelling to ensure you have had all the necessary vaccinations and advice”.