Finland and Denmark has reported 19 cases of falciparum malaria in returning tourists, who had visited The Gambia since the middle of October. Most patients had not taken any prophylaxis.
It is unprecedented that so many visitors are infected in such a short time. A common feature is that the travel was a last minute, discount offer, and most tourists did not received thorough information about risk of malaria, the need for prophylaxis or need of other vaccinations like yellow fever. West Africa has the highest risk of malaria anywhere in the world, and malaria prophylaxis is absolutely recommended to any vistor and any length of stay.
