All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
23 May 2013 09:26
Infected mosquitoes are more attracted to human smells than uninfected ones
Mosquitoes infected with malaria are more attracted to human odours than uninfected ones, according to a study. Scientists claim the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, alters the host mosquito's olfactory system, leading to a heightened attraction to human odours.
This heightened attraction causes mosquitoes to fly more frequently to humans to feed on their blood, thereby increasing transmission of the pathogen responsible for the tropical disease.
Only females of the genus Anopheles transmit human malaria, as they suck blood to nurture their eggs. The team of researchers, led by Renate C Smallegange, an entomologist at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, are the first to demonstrate the malaria parasite has power over mosquito behaviour.
Around 3.3 billion people around the world live in high-risk malaria areas, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. Travellers to such regions should make sure they receive the necessary jabs before jetting off, while purchasing medical travel insurance is also advised for added peace of mind.
The finding were published in the journal PLOS ONE.
04 January 2021
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
[more...]
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.
Is it possible to fly green? Discover five ways to fly more eco-friendly and reduce the impact of your air travel.
From sustainable architecture to reduced energy consumption, here's how airports around the world are helping to reduce their carbon footprints.