UK warning over high levels of typhoid and malaria linked to travel
UK public health officials have warned of a record high in reports of typhoid and paratyphoid fever associated with travel.
Cases in 2024 jumped up 8% to 702 – the highest annual figure recorded to date, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
It comes amidst a raft of health warnings as people prepare to travel or attend festivals this summer.
Provisional data also shows imported malaria cases remain at concerning levels despite a small dip in 2024.
With 1,812 cases of malaria in 2024 and 2,106 the previous year, figures continue to ‘significantly exceed’ cases seen in recent years, UKHSA data showed.
There also remains an ‘ongoing’ global health challenge with dengue with exceptionally high levels in 2023 and 2024 internationally, the figures show.
UKHSA officials urged anyone intending to travel to countries with health risks to consult their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before their trip for advice, travel vaccines and malaria prevention tablets.
This also ensures checking that routine childhood vaccinations are up to date.
The agency had previously warned of a risk of measles to anyone travelling abroad due to surging cases in Europe and elsewhere.
Dr Philip Veal, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: ‘We are seeing high levels of infections such as malaria and typhoid in returning travellers.
‘It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you’re visiting friends and relatives abroad or it’s somewhere you visit often.’
He encouraged the public to use the Travel Health Pro website to find out more information on specific destinations including what vaccines to get, any important medication such as anti-malaria tablets, and how to avoid gastrointestinal infections such as typhoid and hepatitis A.
Dr Diana Ayoola Mabayoje, co-founder of African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI), said: ‘Most UK malaria cases occur in Black African people returning from travel to Africa.
‘Community engagement of the African Diaspora in malaria prevention is crucial to reduce imported malaria in the UK. The African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI) is leading this charge with our upcoming ‘Africans Against Malaria’ campaign.
‘It will directly address the perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours that hinder malaria prevention uptake amongst the UK African diaspora and signpost where to obtain malaria chemoprophylaxis.’
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