Malaria is the world's most devastating disease and kills more people than any other communicable disease except tuberculosis. It is currently endemic in almost 100 countries and most prevalent in Africa, Asia and India.

Worldwide between 300-500 million cases are reported each year and malaria is responsible for more than one million deaths annually.

Malaria is a parasitic infection of the blood, which is transmitted by the bite of an Anopheles mosquito. There are different strains of malaria, which vary in severity, however the most common strain Plasmodium Falciparum, also known as Malignant Malaria, is the most dangerous strain and can be fatal. The flu-like symptoms can include fever, headaches, vomiting and aching muscles and joints.

Malaria is both preventable and curable. Before travelling it is important to check with your GP or travel clinic for up to date advice on anti-malarial medication and remember you may need to start taking treatment up to 3 weeks before travelling. However, no anti-malarial drug provides 100% protection, therefore your first line of defence should be to avoid being bitten, please see our section on prevention.

Travellers should alert their GP of any fever illness occurring after leaving an endemic area.

You can also check the country you plan to visit on our malaria map.