A major review published in the New England Journal of Medicine sets out the scale of malaria worldwide and examines what it will take to eliminate the disease.
The New England Journal of Medicine has posted a review article on preventing malaria infections (a parasitic disease spread by mosquito bites) and the path towards elimination. The journal’s post puts the global toll at an estimated 282 million cases of illness and 610,000 deaths each year.
Malaria remains one of the world’s most persistent infectious diseases. The NEJM review examines both prevention strategies and what a credible elimination effort would require — though the full findings are set out in the journal itself.
Malaria is not in circulation in the UK, but it is a risk for travellers to sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Central and South America. The NHS advises anyone planning travel to an affected region to seek advice on antimalarial medication and mosquito bite prevention before they go.
Symptoms to be aware of after travel:
- High fever, chills, and sweating
- Headache, muscle aches, and tiredness
- Feeling or being sick
- Symptoms can appear up to a year after returning home
Anyone who develops a fever after travelling to a malaria-risk area should contact NHS 111 or their GP straight away and mention where they have been. In an emergency, call 999.
Key information
- NHS 111 — call 111 for advice on symptoms after travel
- Travel health clinics — speak to a GP or pharmacist at least four to six weeks before travelling to a risk area
- Emergency — call 999 if symptoms are severe
Source: @NEJM