Malaria in southern Thailand, including Koh Chang

30 May 2022

According to media, the Thai Department of Disease Control reported 70 cases of malaria in the Thai Provinces of Ranong, Songkhla and Trat between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022.

• Nine of these cases were reported from the island of Koh Chang (Trat Province), which is a tourist destination.  

Plasmodium knowlesi is the type of malaria parasite reported in these cases and is capable of producing severe illness in those who develop malaria.

Advice for Travellers

Malaria is a potentially serious infection that is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites.

If you travelling to the affected areas area, make sure you:

• understand your risk of malaria, given the current reports of cases
• know how to protect yourself against mosquito bites during your trip

Children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with certain medical conditions are at an increased risk of becoming severely unwell if they develop malaria and may be recommended to take tablets to prevent malaria (antimalarials) if travelling to affected areas.

• Talk to a travel health professional to find out if you should take antimalarial tablets.

If you develop a high temperature (fever) during your trip, or for up to a month on return, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and tell the doctor about your recent travel history.