Malaria kills!Protect yourself and

your family

Are you travelling to a country with a risk of Malaria?

Before you travel contact your local pharmacy or GP surgery for advice.

Malaria transmission occurs Limited risk No malaria

Malaria still kills but it is preventableWhat is malaria?

Malaria is a serious infectious disease that is spread by mosquitoes. Some Lewisham residents who have visited countries with a risk of malaria have returned home with malaria.

There is no natural protection from malaria regardless of your family background or where you have been living previously. Malaria affects all ages and ethnicities, however children are more at risk of malaria illness, infection and death.

Common myths and facts about malariaMyths Facts

I can’t get malaria because of my background.

Regardless of your background, you should take the same precautions as other travellers when visiting areas where there is a high risk of malaria.

I don’t need to take malaria prevention medicine because I will avoid mosquito bites.

Most cases of malaria infection in travellers occur because of not taking malaria prevention medication, or not taking the medication as prescribed.

I am only going to be in the malaria zone for a few days so I don’t need malaria prevention medicine.

It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to get malaria. So don’t be a victim protect yourself.

I am from a country where malaria exists so I am naturally protected /immune against the disease.

Any natural immunity is lost quickly so you should take the same precautions as other travellers when visiting areas with high risk of malaria.

There are no mosquitoes during the dry season.

Mosquitoes are still active during dry seasons.

How can I protect myself against malaria?Everyone needs to take precautions to avoid getting malaria. You can get travel advice and malaria prevention medication from your local pharmacy or GP surgery.

You can protect yourself against malaria, and you must do so every time you visit a country with malaria. This is very important! Even if you grew up or lived there and are now returning to visit your friends and family you still need malaria prevention medicine.

As well as malaria prevention medication you should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites eg using bed nets and deet spray or other repellents.

Malaria in Lewisham• Lewisham is the second

highest area with malaria cases in south London.

• 80% of all the malaria cases in Lewisham contracted malaria while visiting friends and family abroad.

• 80% of malaria in travellers occurs because they did not take malaria prevention medicines.

Where can I get information?You can get advice on malaria prevention and general travel health advice from local pharmacies, your GP surgery and private health clinics.

You can also access travel health advice from:

Gov.uk foreign travel – advicewww.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

It is important that you plan for your trip abroad.

Malaria prevention medicines should be taken before travelling, during your trip and for some time on your return.

Always buy malaria prevention medicines from a reputable source in the UK before travel so that you can be sure that they are not fake or poor quality.

If you are buying any medicines including malaria prevention medicines online, check the internet pharmacy is registered by visiting the General Pharmaceutical Council register at www.pharmacyregulation.org/registration/internet-pharmacy

Even if you buy your medication online, get advice from your local pharmacy or GP practice.

Please be aware that malaria prevention medicines are no longer available on NHS prescription.

What else do I need to think about?

If you would like this information in another language or format eg braille or larger print, please call us on 020 3049 3200

or email us at lewccg.enquiry@nhs.net

January 2018