Egypt has long been a fascinating destination for travellers with its ancient monuments, rich culture, and vibrant landscapes. Now, there’s even more reason to consider Egypt as a travel destination: the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared the country malaria-free.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said “Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilisation itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future.
This is a significant milestone in public health and brings an added layer of safety and assurance to travellers planning to visit.
Here’s what you need to know about this important achievement and what it means for your health when traveling to Egypt.
What does it mean to be “Malaria-Free”
To be certified as malaria-free, a country must demonstrate that it has interrupted local transmission of malaria for at least three consecutive years. Egypt met this requirement, showing consistent results in controlling the disease, improving healthcare infrastructure, and reducing the risk of reintroduction.
According to the WHO, Malaria in Egypt has been traced as far back as 4000 B.C.E., with genetic evidence of the disease found in Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian mummies.
Egypt is one of the latest countries to receive this certification, contributing to a global push toward eradicating malaria worldwide.
What does it mean for travellers?
Malaria has long been a concern in various tropical and subtropical regions, causing severe illness, fever, and sometimes even death.
Travellers often must take preventative steps, such as antimalarial medication and mosquito avoidance measures, when visiting areas where malaria is prevalent.
Egypt’s certification as malaria-free means travellers now have one less health risk to consider when planning their holiday.
For the tourism and travel health sectors, this achievement reassures visitors that Egypt is safe from malaria transmission, especially in rural areas and near water sources, which are typically high-risk locations for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
Are there any precautionary measures still needed?
While Egypt’s malaria-free status is excellent news, it’s still essential to practice general travel health precautions to stay safe.
Here are some tips:
- Protect Against Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases: While malaria may not be a concern, other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile Virus and Dengue Fever, can still pose risks. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, sleep under a mosquito net and consider vaccinations where possible, like Qdenga for Dengue Fever.
- Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Egypt does require certain vaccinations for travellers, such as Rabies, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. Make sure you are aware of any health advisories and have up-to-date vaccinations before your trip.
- Practice General Travel Hygiene: Staying hydrated, avoiding untreated water, and being cautious with food preparation are essential for staying healthy on your travels.
Is a travel consultation still necessary?
Yes, whilst it is fantastic news that Egypt is now malaria-free, there are other health risks to consider when travelling and it is still important to seek travel health advice from an expert.
We advise booking a travel consultation at least 4-6 weeks before your departure date to allow enough time for any necessary vaccinations, medications, and preventive advice to take full effect.
If you’re planning a last-minute trip, don’t worry! Book a consultation as soon as possible; even a brief appointment can provide valuable advice, essential vaccinations, and immediate preventive tips to keep you safe during your travels.
The Future of Malaria Control in the Region
Egypt’s success in eradicating malaria is a hopeful indicator for neighbouring regions where malaria is still a concern. The country’s strategies and investments in healthcare could serve as a model for other nations aiming to reduce or eliminate malaria.
Planning Your Malaria-Free Trip to Egypt
Whether exploring the pyramids, cruising the Nile, or enjoying the coastal resorts, travellers to Egypt now have added peace of mind regarding malaria. However, consulting with a travel health specialist before your trip remains important to ensure your overall health and safety. By staying informed and prepared, you can focus on enjoying the cultural and natural wonders Egypt has to offer.
As always, our travel health experts are here to provide personalised advice, vaccination guidance, and preventive health tips to make sure your journey is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Book a travel consultation to discuss your upcoming trip to Egypt.
Related services at Fleet Street Clinic
Specialist Travel Clinic
Travel Vaccinations
Dengue Fever
Rabies Vaccination
Antimalarials
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