Malaria risk for Euro-travellers
Wednesday August 24th, 2011
People travelling to Greece should take steps against insect bites because some regions have a malaria problem, British authorities warned yesterday.
Some six cases of malaria have been reported in the country since June, the Health Protection Agency said.
Two districts are affected - Laconia in the south and Evoia in the east.
The HPA says travellers do not need to take anti-malaria medication before visiting Greece - as the risk remains low.
But they should ensure they avoid insect bites, not just because of malaria but because of the West Nile virus, which is carried by Greek mosquitoes. Some 200 cases of West Nile infection were reported in the country last year.
Professor David Hill, director of the HPA national travel health network, said: "The risk to holiday makers of catching malaria while in Greece remains extremely low, so there is no need to take anti-malarials when visiting this country, but travellers should take measures to prevent being bitten."
Dr Jane Jones, an HPA travel health expert, said: "Although the risk of catching malaria while in Greece is extremely low it's important that travellers returning from affected areas seek medical advice promptly if they experience symptoms of malaria, which include fever, headache, and muscle pains."
Tags: Europe | Traveller Health | UK News
Printer friendly page