Emergency Contact Crew Health: Malaria prevention Home Latest updates News Crew Health: Malaria prevention 24 Jul 2024 Download Sign up for alerts The Club has previously highlighted guidance regarding precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid the contraction of malaria on board merchant ships. This was following an incident in which a crew member on an entered vessel died from a malarial infection, having not had access to the correct precautionary medication. It is important to continue to raise awareness of the issue, as the Club has continued to record malaria related incidents. In 2023 we were notified of 8 cases where crew members had contracted the disease, including one where four crew members from the same vessel required hospitalisation. Malaria is one of the world’s most common and serious tropical diseases. In 2022 there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases, and 608,000 deaths. World malaria report 2023 (who.int)  has identified 85 malaria endemic countries around the world, with countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas posing the highest risk. Malaria is often disregarded by seafarers as a land-based disease and many are unaware of the key facts regarding the contraction of the disease, including: the potentially fatal nature of the disease preventative measures or protective medication the symptoms, which for the most life-threatening types of malaria, are usually experienced between one week and two months after infection. Preventative measures Be aware of the risk Avoid being bitten - use insect repellents, mosquito nets, protective clothing, avoid mosquito breeding places such as swamps or marshy areas. High risk times are between dusk and dawn. Seek medical advice if a fever develops10-15 days or more after entering a malaria risk area Protective medication As immunisation against malaria is not available, preventive medication is required when entering an area where malaria is endemic. Members will need to obtain proper medic