Seven cases of imported malaria with recurrence

Abstract

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium species parasites and transmitted to humans by the Anopheles mosquito. The malaria parasites responsible for infection in humans are Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malaria, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Although malaria cases originating from Turkey no longer occur, cases originating from abroad are still seen. This report evaluates the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and histories of seven imported malaria cases. All seven cases in this report had a history of travel to African countries together with fever (>39°C), weakness, headache, tremor, sweating, cough, general body pain, and severe shortness of breath. Appropriate treatment was arranged once the necessary examinations had been performed. All patients but one responded to treatment. The non-responsive patient re-presented after 15 days with similar complaints. Primaquine therapy at 15 mg tablet 2×1 was administered, and that patient was discharged after 14 days. The most effective means of bringing malaria under control involves rapid diagnosis and effective treatment. We wish to emphasize that imported cases may be seen in non-endemic regions due to international travel. The travel history of patients in sporadic regions should be investigated, and malaria should be considered in the presence of fever in order to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

• Malaria
• Fever
• Plasmodium falciparum
• Infectious disease

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