Posted 31 Oct 2008

Travellers have been urged to protect themselves against malaria before heading to countries where the tropical disease is prevalent.

Those taking a gap year in Africa, South America and Asia are particularly at risk of contracting the disease and have been warned to seek medical advice before travelling.

Speaking on behalf of malariahotspots.co.uk, health expert Larry Goodyer said that travellers generally have a very poor knowledge of malaria and put themselves at risk by being unprepared and not prioritising their health highly enough.

"There have been cases of people contracting malaria, having the early symptoms and then dying, sometimes within the space of 24 hours or a week. It’s a very serious condition," he commented.

According to netdoctor.co.uk, around 2,000 British travellers contract malaria annually, with around 12 of these cases proving fatal.

The main signs of malaria include feverish attacks, tiredness, flu-like symptoms and diarrhoea.

Category: General Travel