Experts are issuing warnings over the rapid spread of 'super malaria' in South East Asia, but what exactly is it? And should we be worried?

Standard malaria can be prevented through the use of anti-malarial tablets, but the BBC reports that this dangerous new form of the parasite cannot be killed in a similar manner. This means that the life-threatening condition is beginning to spread through parts of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, morphing into a disease that is potentially untreatable. Speaking to the BBC, professor Arjen Dondorp – who is head of malaria at the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit in Bangkok – said:

"We think ['super malaria'] is a serious threat. It is alarming that this strain is spreading so quickly through the whole region and we fear it can spread further [and eventually] jump to Africa."

Malaria: The facts

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is spread via blood-sucking mosquitoes. Symptoms include a high temperature, sweats and chills, headaches, vomiting and muscle pain. It is only present in certain countries – mainly tropical regions – but can be potentially fatal if left untreated (especially in children).

Normally an infected person would be treated with a combination of artemisinin and piperaquine, but certain malaria parasites are starting to become resistant to both drugs. Writing in The Lancet Infection Diseases, researchers declared that "the evolution and subsequent transnational spread of this single fit multidrug-resistant malaria parasite lineage is of international concern."

Although the UK is malaria-free, this does raise concern for those travelling to infected countries – particularly areas of Africa, where 92% of all cases occur.

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Now, as the rate of treatment failure rises to 60% in Cambodia, some scientists say that time is running out to eliminate the disease. Prof Dondorp said:

"It's a race against the clock – we have to eliminate it before malaria becomes untreatable again and we see a lot of deaths. If I'm honest, I'm quite worried."

Also commenting on the above was Michael Chaw of the Wellcome Trust medical research charity, who hypothesised that the latest malaria strain could see the number of people dying from drug resistant infections every year (currently 700,000 globally) "increase to millions of people by 2050" if nothing is done.

If you are travelling abroad and are worried about malaria, here are some simple steps you can take to reduce risk.

Check whether you need to take prevention tablets .

. Use a strong insect repellent .

. Make sure you keep your arms and legs covered , especially at sun set.

, especially at sun set. Keep all windows and doors closed .

. Use a mosquito net when sleeping.

It's important not to panic. If you are concerned about travelling to a country where there is a risk of malaria, consult your doctor or read the NHS's Fit For Travel advice.

Jenny Cook Jenny Cook is a health writer, amateur athlete and full-time foodie.

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