What do I need to know before I travel?
Public Health Scotland logo

Fit for Travel Logo

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Malaria in India (Goa)

16 Oct 2012

The media has reported on the malaria situation in the state of Goa, on the west coast of India.

Following a downward trend of malaria cases over the last four years, an increase has been recorded in 2012. From the beginning of the year (2012) until the end of September, a total of 1145 malaria cases have been recorded; this compares with 935 cases for the whole of 2011.

Of the 210 malaria cases recorded in September 2012, 198 were of the less serious form of malaria.

Advice for Travellers

The state of Goa has a variable risk of malaria and antimalarial tablets are recommended. Travellers are also advised to avoid mosquito bites as other infections spread by mosquitoes may also be present e.g. dengue fever. Travellers should be aware of the malaria risk and report any fevers promptly; the less severe form of malaria can develop even up to one year after returning from a malarious area.