75% of travellers unaware of malaria hotspots

THREE out four Irish travellers are unaware of the malaria hotspots, a new study shows.

More than 65% wrongly believed that protection was not needed if travelling to Turkey.

And nearly half did not believe they need protection for Mexico, despite protection being required for some areas of the country.

The study, released ahead of 2009 Malaria Awareness Week, warns people that just one bite from an infected mosquito could kill within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.

“The disease won’t just affect your holiday – it could ruin or even end your life,” said medical director of the Tropical Medical Bureau in Ireland, Dr Graham Fry.

Dr Fry said malaria could be contracted in many countries frequented by Irish holiday makers such as Thailand, and many parts of central America.

“Back-packers, business people and honeymooners are all at risk. It literally only takes one mosquito bite and can happen to anyone.”

Dr Fry said those planning to travel to at-risk areas must contact their doctor or travel clinic to ensure they have taken the right precautions.

The campaign, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, is supported by Kathryn Thomas, who contracted malaria during her travels for RTÉ’s No Frontiers programme.

“As a frequent traveller to malaria risk zones, I was particularly conscious of the importance of malaria prevention. Unfortunately, I was one of the many Irish travellers who contract the disease every year which was a devastating and terrifying experience. People don’t realise that it can happen to anyone and that it can kill you or at the very least ruin your holiday,” she said.

“I was extremely unlucky in that I contracted malaria and know first hand its potentially devastating effects.

“It was a very frightening experience that I never want to go through again and so, hopefully, I can use my own experience to warn people of the dangers and to take all the necessary precautions.”

Ms Thomas urged all travellers to become familiar with malaria hotspots and visit www.malariahotspots.ie before setting off.