British tourists hit by travel warning as 15m at risk of deadly disease | World | News

Brits have been issued a travel warning for a number of destinations where there is a risk of contracting malaria.

Asda Online Doctor has published new research which showed that 28 percent of UK adults are at risk of traveling to malaria hotspots in the next year.

This means roughly 15 million people could be at risk.

With a sample of over 2,000 British adults, researchers warned that the following countries are the highest risk destinations.

These are: Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Nigeria and Turkey.

Turkey, Brazil, and Thailand are the most popular malaria hotspots this year, the experts added.

Asda Online Doctor said: “Malaria is a disease caused by a bite from an infected mosquito which transfers a parasite into the bloodstream. It is a preventable and curable disease, and it cannot be spread from person to person.

“While malaria is not found in the UK, it is common in many countries across the world. Malaria risk is higher in tropical climates where mosquitoes live, including Central and South America, Africa, South and Southeast Asia and some Pacific islands.

“Britons travelling to these regions should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and prevent malaria.”

Experts added: “Symptoms usually take seven to 18 days to appear after you’ve been bitten by an infected mosquito.

“Sometimes you may not have symptoms for months after travelling and in rare cases, it may be years.”

Brits have been told to keep in mind the ABCD of malaria prevention.

A – Awareness of risk: Before travelling, check the risk of malaria at your chosen destination

B – Bite prevention: Ensure you know how to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes

C – Chemoprophylaxis (antimalarial medication): Malaria tablets help to reduce the risk of contracting malaria for those who have been bitten

D- Diagnosis: Those who travel to an area with a risk of malaria and develop any symptoms while abroad or up to a year after returning should seek medical attention straight away