As the holiday season approaches, many of us are planning to travel abroad for leisure, family gatherings, or business. However, it’s crucial to consider the potential health risks associated with mosquito-borne infections, such as malaria and dengue fever. With a rise in travel-related mosquito-borne diseases reported in the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging travellers to take necessary precautions.
Important Update: Rise in Mosquito-Borne Infections
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recently reported a significant increase in mosquito-borne infections, including malaria and dengue fever, among travelers returning to the UK. Their latest data reveals:
- Malaria: In 2023, there were 2,106 confirmed cases of imported malaria—a 26% increase compared to 2022. This is the highest number reported in the UK since 2001.
- Dengue Fever: Between January and June 2024, 473 cases of dengue fever were reported among travelers returning to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a substantial rise from 157 cases during the same period in 2023.
These statistics highlight the growing need for effective travel health precautions. To protect yourself, ensure you take preventative measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and taking malaria prevention tablets if visiting high-risk regions.
For more details, visit the UKHSA’s full report here.
How to Prevent Malaria and Stay Healthy on Your Travels
Malaria prevention is essential for travellers visiting high-risk regions. To protect yourself:
- Take malaria prevention tablets as prescribed.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to minimize skin exposure.
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net if air conditioning isn’t available.
Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know Before You Travel
Dengue fever is a serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, common in tropical and subtropical regions. Preventative measures include:
- Using effective insect repellent.
- Wearing protective clothing.
- Staying in accommodations with air conditioning or using bed nets.
Visit Healthy-U Pharmacy in Saltdean, East Sussex for Expert Travel Vaccination Services
Planning a trip? Healthy-U Pharmacy, conveniently located in Saltdean, East Sussex, offers private travel vaccination services tailored to your destination. Whether you’re traveling to a malaria-endemic region or need advice on dengue fever prevention, our experienced pharmacists provide personalized care to ensure a safe and healthy journey. Proudly serving Saltdean, Brighton, and surrounding Sussex communities, we’re your trusted local pharmacy for all travel health needs.
Our services include:
- Malaria prevention tablets: Tailored advice and prescriptions.
- Travel vaccines: Comprehensive immunization options for your destination.
- Dengue fever prevention tips: Guidance on reducing mosquito exposure.
Our experienced pharmacists will help you plan a safe and healthy journey, offering personalized consultations to meet your travel health needs.
Essential Travel Health Tips
To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases:
- Use insect repellent regularly.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
- Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Stay in accommodations with air conditioning when possible.
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date.
- Stock up on malaria prevention tablets if traveling to high-risk regions.
- Purchase valid travel insurance to cover health emergencies.
What to Do If You Feel Unwell After Travel
If you feel unwell after returning to the UK, seek medical attention promptly and inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel history. Early detection and Consultation of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever can prevent serious complications.
Plan Your Travel Health Consultation Today
Don’t leave your travel health to chance! Book your personalized travel health consultation with Healthy-U Pharmacy in Saltdean, East Sussex. Our expert pharmacists are here to help you stay safe and healthy on your journey.