Coinciding with Malaria Awareness Week (10-16 May), the Malaria Awareness Campaign has launched an initiative with naturalist Steve Backshall to show people how to correctly apply insect repellent and prevent mosquito bites.

The UK is one of the biggest importers of malaria in Europe¹ and the latest figures from the Health Protection Agency indicate a slight increase (9%) in cases of the disease in UK travellers² In light of this, Steve who has contracted malaria, is urging everyone to be more ‘malaria aware’.

He says: “It’s easy to relax and take a carefree attitude when you’re on holiday, but it is extremely important to take malaria prevention seriously. It only takes one bite to contract malaria and I know from personal experience how terrible the disease can be.”

Professor Goodyer, a spokesperson for the Malaria Awareness Campaign says: “Bite avoidance is the first line of defence in malaria prevention, however, many people are unaware of the correct quantity of insect repellent to use or how to apply it correctly. I’d advise all UK travellers to give Steve’s how-to film a couple of minutes of their attention as it could save their life.

“Anyone travelling to a malarious destination should make an appointment with their GP surgery, travel clinic or pharmacy for the best advice as far in advance as possible – ideally six to eight weeks before they go. As well as using an insect repellent containing 20-50% DEET, it is advisable to take precautions against being bitten, such as sleeping under an impregnated mosquito net and cover up arms and legs with loose fitting cotton clothing at dusk and dawn. In addition, if advised, antimalarial medication should be taken before, during and after the trip.”

For more information visit www.malariahotspots.co.uk

5 top tips for bite prevention:

• Malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite mostly between dusk and dawn – light coloured, long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks should be worn during this time3a

• Repellents should be applied regularly, particularly in a hot and humid climate when the 'sweat off' time is shorter3b

• Application of repellent containing 20-50% DEET is advisable4

• Sleeping under an impregnated mosquito net can help prevent you from being bitten3c

• Mosquitoes love ankles so ideally you should wear socks but if not make sure you cover all of your foot and ankle with repellent.5

References:

1. World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe –Available at http://data.euro.who.int/cisid/?TabID=233312 (Accessed 02 March 2010)

2. Health Protection Report Vol 4 no 6-23 April 2010

3abc. Chiodini, J., (2006) malaria in UK travellers: assessment, prevention and treatment. Nursing Standard May 3 2006, vol 20 no 34

4. Chiodini, P., Hill, D, lallo, D., Lea, G., Walker, E., Whitty, C., Bannister, B. (2007) Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the United Kingdom. Health Protection Agency January 2007. Available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1203496943523 (Accessed 10 February 2010)

5. Goodyer, L., Thrower, Y., (2006) Application of Insect Repellants by Travelers to Malaria Endemic Areas. Journal of Travel Medicine July 10 2006, vol 13, issue 4, 201