Don't Forget Malaria Prevention This Summer

With summer holidays in full swing, thousands of us are jetting off to destinations across Africa, Asia and South America, many of which carry a risk of malaria. 

It's easy to get swept up in packing swimwear and sun cream, but malaria prevention deserves just as much attention. 

At Pharmacy Direct GB, we want every traveller to head off prepared, protected and confident.

Malaria cases in the UK: the numbers

Malaria is not something we associate with home soil, but it remains a serious risk for anyone travelling to an affected region. 

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 2,004 cases of malaria were confirmed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2023 following travel abroad, the first time cases had exceeded 2,000 in over 20 years, and a sharp rise from 1,369 the year before. 

Provisional figures for 2025 show 1,629 cases, including 1,325 caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe form of the disease, so imported malaria continues to sit at consistently high levels.

The vast majority of UK cases follow travel to sub-Saharan Africa, with West African countries among the most frequently visited beforehand, though risk also exists across parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. 

Globally, the World Health Organization estimated 249 million malaria cases in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. 

The message from UK health authorities is clear: almost every one of these UK cases was preventable, and a few simple precautions make all the difference.

The ABCD of malaria prevention

UKHSA recommends travellers follow the "ABCD" approach:

• Awareness of risk
• Bite avoidance
• Chemoprophylaxis (taking antimalarial tablets)
• Diagnose promptly and treat without delay

There is currently no licensed malaria vaccine available to UK travellers, so bite avoidance and antimalarial tablets remain the two main pillars of protection, alongside knowing when to seek help.

Bite avoidance: nets and repellent

The mosquitoes that spread malaria are most active between dusk and dawn, so this is when precautions matter most.

Cover up.

Loose, long-sleeved clothing and trousers reduce exposed skin, particularly in the evening.
Use insect repellent. Products containing at least 50% DEET are the most effective option and are considered safe for most adults and children over two months old when used as directed. Reapply after swimming or heavy sweating.

Sleep under a mosquito net.

A permethrin-treated bed net creates a physical and chemical barrier overnight, especially important in accommodation without air conditioning or screened windows.

Check your accommodation.

Air conditioning and screens on windows and doors both cut down the number of mosquitoes getting indoors.
Take extra care if pregnant or travelling with young children. Malaria can be more severe in pregnancy and in young children, so risk areas are best avoided where possible, and extra precautions taken when travel can't be delayed or avoided.

Even travellers who grew up in, or have previously lived in, a malaria-affected country are not protected in the same way as local residents, so these steps apply to everyone.

Prophylaxis: antimalarial tablets

Alongside bite avoidance, taking the right antimalarial tablets, known as chemoprophylaxis, for your destination significantly lowers your risk of infection. 

The right choice depends on where you're travelling, how long for, your medical history and any medication you already take, so it's worth speaking to a pharmacist or doctor four to six weeks before you fly.

Two of the most commonly prescribed options are:

• Doxycycline 100mg capsules: taken once daily, started two days before travel and continued for four weeks after returning. An affordable option, though it can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
• Atovaquone/Proguanil (generic Malarone): taken once daily, started one to two days before travel and continued for just seven days after returning, and generally well tolerated with fewer side effects.

Other options, such as mefloquine, are sometimes prescribed for longer stays, though they need to be started further in advance and aren't suitable for everyone, which is exactly why a proper consultation matters more than picking a tablet off a shelf.

Our Malaria Prevention online doctor service lets you complete a short consultation and, once assessed by a registered prescriber, order the tablets best suited to your trip for discreet delivery to your home or workplace.

Plan ahead, travel confidently

Malaria prevention isn't a last-minute job. 

Whichever destination you're heading to this summer, build in time to check the risks for your route via TravelHealthPro, pack repellent and a treated net if you'll need one, and get your tablets sorted well before departure.

If you feel unwell during or after your trip, particularly with a fever, seek medical help promptly. Always tell your GP or A&E that you've travelled recently, even if it was a few weeks ago, as symptoms can appear later.

Start your consultation with our Malaria Prevention service today and travel this summer with one less thing to worry about.

This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Always consult a pharmacist or doctor for guidance tailored to your trip.

Sources: UK Health Security Agency, "New data show a rise in travel-acquired malaria cases" (gov.uk, 24 April 2024); UKHSA travel-associated infections report 2025, via TravelHealthPro/gov.uk.