Malaria elimination by 2025 is still the target while authorities investigate seven locally-acquired malaria infections this year and pending confirmation on the areas of transmission for a total of 432 cases from 39 districts. The extended range of the parasite due to global warming is a concern, now moving into previously non-endemic areas such as the mountainous districts of Mugu, Bajura and Humla. Elsewhere, zoonotic transmission of malaria continues in Malaysia, with authorities advising that the 2022 total of Plasmodium knowlesi cases (404) has already been passed this year. By June, Sabah had recorded almost 850 cases, followed by Kelantan with 215 and Terengganu with 26. In welcome news on malaria, a second malaria vaccine for children, R21/Matrix-M, has been recommended by the WHO. In announcing the news this week, the WHO director-general said “in areas with seasonal transmission, it reduced symptomatic cases of malaria by 75% in the 12 months following a three-dose series of the vaccine. A fourth dose, given a year after the third, was shown to maintain protection.” Read more
Advice for travellers
Travellers visiting malarious regions should discuss their itinerary and the possible need for anti-malaria medication during a pre-travel medical consultation. Read more about malaria.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.