The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an urgent reminder for people heading overseas that one bite can be enough to catch a life-threatening illness. The warning concerns malaria, a serious disease spread by mosquitoes that is especially common in many tropical parts of the world.
UKHSA's warning on social media
In a post shared on X on Tuesday, the UKHSA said: "Malaria is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes, and you can catch it from a single bite." It urged holidaymakers to visit TravelHealthPro to check country-specific advice before jetting off.
NHS advice on malaria
The NHS says malaria is caused by being bitten by an infected mosquito and that travellers should check the risk for their specific destination before going. It advises people travelling to areas where malaria is found to seek advice from a GP, nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic, ideally four to six weeks before departure.
TravelHealthPro, which provides travel health information for UK travellers, describes malaria as a serious and potentially life-threatening disease transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito. It says the disease is widely distributed throughout tropical regions, with the African region accounting for the majority of cases.
Destination-specific risks and prevention
The risk is not identical across every country or even every part of a country. TravelHealthPro provides destination-specific guidance, including information on malaria risk and recommended prevention measures, so travellers should check the details for where they are actually going. For some travellers, antimalarial tablets may be recommended to reduce the risk of infection. The NHS says the medicine needed depends on the country being visited and that advice should be sought before travelling.
Preventing mosquito bites is another important part of protecting yourself. UK malaria prevention guidance says bite avoidance should be used alongside any recommended antimalarial medication, with travellers advised to take appropriate precautions depending on their destination.
Symptoms and urgent action
Malaria can also become serious quickly if it is not recognised and treated. TravelHealthPro says anyone who develops a fever or flu-like illness during or after travel to a malaria-risk area should seek medical attention promptly and tell healthcare professionals about their travel history. The NHS similarly advises getting urgent medical advice if you develop symptoms of malaria after returning from a country where the disease is found. Symptoms can include a high temperature, headache, sweating and chills, and the NHS says malaria can be very serious if it is not diagnosed and treated quickly.
