One bite is all it takes
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The trend for exotic holidays in Africa and Asia is increasing - but many of us simply don't take the risks seriously.
Each year, around 2,000 people return to the UK with Malaria. And on average, nine of those cases will prove fatal.
Now, there's a campaign to try to persuade British holiday makers to take the risks seriously
This morning on Breakfast
We found out more, with TV presenter Kate Humble, who's had malaria twice - and to Joanne Yirrell, whose 20 year old son died from Malaria, shortly after he returned from working in Africa.
Malaria: top tips:
Malaria is endemic in more than 100 countries across the world, including large parts of Africa, South America, the Indian sub-continent and Asia
Before you go on holiday, visit your doctor or practise nurse to get anti-malarial drugs. Don't rely on old prescriptions, as different drugs work in different parts of the world.
You may have to pay to use a travel clinic - but don't forget that Malaria kills one million people around the world each year.
Make sure you actually take your pills - and don't stop half way through
Don't get bitten: one bite from an infected Mosquito is all it takes to catch Malaria. Keep covered up, use insect repellents and mosquito nets and close the windows at night.
You can still catch Malaria even if you're staying in a five-star hotel: Mosquitoes don't discriminate
If you do feel unwell, seek medical advice quickly: Malaria is easily treatable if it's caught early. The first symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache diarrhoea and vomiting can be confused with flu.
Even up to six months after returning, make sure your doctor knows you have been to a malaria hot-spot.
There's much more on Malaria Awareness week on the BBC's specialist health website. Follow the links on the right hand side of this story.
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BBC NEWS: VIDEO AND AUDIO
Malaria
We talked to TV Presenter Kate Humble and Joanne Yirrell, whose son died of Malaria
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