Malaria hasn’t gone away

A member reports that in February 2021 one of their personnel had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of their local hospital, with confirmed malaria.  The individual had recently travelled back from work in a malaria-risk country, had developed flu-like symptoms and had assumed this may be due to COVID-19.  Following two negative COVID-19 tests and onset of confusion, the individual was admitted to hospital. (IMCA italics)

This flash highlights the symptoms of malaria and the process which should be implemented by persons working in a malaria-risk country.

Key facts about malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

• The mosquitoes which spread malaria are most likely to bite at dusk or at dawn;
• The main symptoms of malaria are:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Multi-organ failure (if treatment not received quickly)

The initial symptoms of malaria are similar to those of flu or of COVID-19 – if you experience these after having been in a malaria-risk country you should first assume that it may be malaria

Preventing Malaria Infection

Prevention is better than cure.  Take the following measures to avoid being bitten:

• Wear long sleeved and long leg clothing to keep skin covered;
• Use an appropriately effective mosquito repellent;
• Sleep under a mosquito net, where provided;
• Take anti-malaria medication (chemoprophylaxis) to reduce the effects if you are bitten.  This is not 100% effective, so anyone displaying symptoms whilst taking the medication should still seek medical advice.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment reduce disease and prevent death.  Being aware of symptoms and ensuring family & friends are also aware of these may help reduce delay in diagnosis.  If you experience flu-like symptoms after being to a malaria-risk country, contact your doctor urgently and advise them that you should be checked for malaria so that you can receive treatment quickly

Malaria: Know the symptoms and get checked immediately if you display them.