Travellers to sub-Saharan Africa, which includes Tanzania, where Cheryl Cole spent her holiday, are at greatest risk. Half the UK's reported cases of malaria originate in this part of the world, which is home to the most lethal strain, plasmodium falciparum.
The singer collapsed on Saturday, and was initially thought to be suffering from exhaustion. But her condition deteriorated, and friends became concerned that she was 'sweating and shaking' at her £6million home in Hurtmore, Surrey.
She is expected to stay in hospital for a number of days, before spending several weeks recovering.
Dr Philip Monk, a Leicestershire-based consultant in health protection in, and member of the Malaria Awareness Panel, identifies Gambia as a particular hotspot for malaria.
He comes across more cases of travellers infected in the west African country than anywhere else.
'As it's a mainstream package holiday destination, people think it's like going to the Balearics,’ he says. ‘It's not. There are precautions you must take, especially in the rainy season when the risk of catching malaria is much higher.'
Malaria causes more than one million deaths worldwide each year. Scientists are making progress on a vaccine, but it is likely to be at least ten years before it will be widely available.
Cheryl Cole being struck down by malaria in Tanzania gives timely warning to Brits heading to disease hotpots | Mail Online
via dailymail.co.uk
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