With an estimated annual global infection rate of 350–500 million and approximately 1 million deaths, malaria is the most serious parasitic disease in humans. The demand for specialist travel health advice in this area is greater than ever, especially when considering an estimated 16% yearly increase in UK citizens travelling abroad. With practice nurses often providing this service, it is imperative that they have a comprehensive grasp of the issues and advice surrounding malaria. Practice nurses should ensure that they are aware of and competent in promoting Public Health England (PHE) (2013) guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the UK.

Catherine Brewer - associate member, Royal College of the Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, clinical demonstrator, Plymouth University, nurse, Trailfinders Travel Clinic