§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the increasing number of cases of malaria now being reported in Great Britain, what steps he is taking to advise the travelling public of the risks to health resulting from the disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleNotifications of imported malaria cases were 1,600 with 11 deaths—provisional figures—in 1978 as against 1,459 with nine deaths in 1977.
The importance of taking preventive measures when travelling to countries where this disease is endemic is stressed in my Department's leaflet "Notice to Travellers—Health Protection" and in the Health Education Council's leaflet "Advice to Travellers" both of which are distributed to the travel trade and are generally available to the public. My Department has supplied a poster for display at sea and airports and by travel agents and other interested bodies. Arrangements have been made with the Midland Bank to issue a small leaflet with foreign exchange for countries mainly concerned and other banks have been asked for similar co-operation.
Both British Airways and British Caledonian make in-flight announcements and carry small supplies of anti-malaria tablets; the attention of other air-lines operating from this country has been drawn to the desirability of giving such warnings. A survey of the travelling 284W public at Gatwick and Heathrow airports in 1977 showed a very high degree of awareness amongst those questioned of the danger of the disease and of the need to take precautions.
In February 1978 the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners drew the attention of general practitioners to the need for vigilance in relation to malaria.
I am sending copies of the publications mentioned to the hon. Member.