Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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713. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has secured expert advice in relation to the development of an anti malaria policy; the names and qualifications of those providing such advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49510/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Malaria is a serious tropical disease caused by parasites that are spread by biting mosquitoes. There are four kinds of malaria that can infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. P. falciparum is the most severe form of malaria, and it and P. vivax are the most commonly encountered.

The mosquitoes that transmit malaria are not found in Ireland and all cases of malaria in Ireland are imported. The disease is contracted in countries where malaria is endemic or found naturally. African countries have the highest risk of malaria, especially Central and West Africa. But malaria can also be caught in Central and South America, in Asia and most of the Middle East.

Malaria was made a notifiable disease by the Infectious Diseases Regulations, 1948 (S.I. No. 99 of 1948). Provisional data published by the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC) indicate that there were ten cases of malaria notified in the first quarter of 2013. Provisionally data also indicate that 65 cases of malaria notified to the HPSC in 2012.

Travellers to countries where malaria is endemic are advised to consult a GP or travel health clinic and take medical advice about malaria prophylaxis before travelling.