Following a substantial rise in the number of malaria cases in the UK, campaigners are warning travellers to be more aware of the symptoms associated with the deadly disease and urging them to take adequate precautions to avoid contamination.
Over the past two years the number of cases of malaria reported in the UK has risen by almost 30 per cent. In response to this rise, the Malaria Awareness Campaign commissioned a survey of 2,254 UK adults and found that over half (57 per cent) were not aware of the symptoms of the disease.
Malaria was placed strongly under the media spotlight last year when pop star Cheryl Cole was hospitalised with the disease. After failing to take
malaria tablets
or medication prior to a short break in Tanzania, the Geordie singer was hit hard by the disease. Ms Cole’s illness enjoyed a high level of media attention, highlighting the on-going problem of travellers being bitten by malarial mosquitos while abroad. However, it appears this high profile case has failed to adequately alert travellers to the symptoms associated with malaria.
Dr George Kassianos, a spokesman for the Malaria Awareness Campaign, said that identifying the disease can often be tough. He commented: "The symptoms
of malaria can be almost identical to those of common flu and can be non-specific, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to diagnose malaria early and accurately.
"But if flu-like symptoms are coupled with history of travel to a malarious destination in the last 12 months, or sometimes even longer, it is essential that this infectious disease is ruled out."
Dr Kassianos went on to stress the importance of seeking medical advice in good time before travelling and reminded travellers that symptoms include chills and sweats, muscle pain, high temperature, headaches and diarrhoea.
