Cheryl Cole puts malaria in the limelight after her holiday in Africa

Cheryl Cole has been in hospital for over a week after she went on holiday in Africa for just six days and came back with one of the most deadly strains of malaria. The star was taking anti-malarials, but unfortunately they are not 100% effective at keeping all forms of malaria at bay. This highlights the importance of preventing mosquito bites while you are abroad, particularly in destinations where malaria is prevalent. Malaria is passed from person to person through mosquito bites.

Before going on holiday in Africa, or any other tropical area of the world, make sure you do your research to find out if malaria is a problem in your chosen holiday destination. Visit your doctor or travel clinic eight weeks before you travel to find out if you will need to take anti-malarials. You will need to start taking anti-malarials prior to travel.

The best way to prevent contracting malaria is to use insect repellent containing DEET to keep mosquitoes at bay. If you can avoid getting bitten, then you can't catch malaria. Cover up when mosquitoes are out in force and avoid wetland areas. Whilst camping in malaria country, sleep under a mosquito net and ensure the netting doesn't touch your skin.

Sometimes holidaymakers forget that tropical diseases are a risk. Often Brits travel to parts of West Africa, such as the Gambia, without thinking about malaria. Travel providers offer affordable package deals to the Gambia, of the sort that aren't often associated with tropical diseases.

In addition to taking precautionary measures against malaria, remember to buy comprehensive travel insurance before you leave Britain. Travel insurance will cover the cost of potentially high medical bills if you are unfortunate enough to suffer from malaria whilst you are abroad. Insurewithease.com has a range of affordable single trip and annual travel insurance policies available. We even offer cover specifically for backpackers, who often jet off to tropical destinations.

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