An Imported Case of Afebrile <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Malaria Infection from Tanzania in a Returning Traveler to the Republic of Korea following an Earlier COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Malaria is well-known as one of the most common causes of fever among travelers returning from endemic areas such as tropical African countries. However, afebrile Plasmodium falciparum malaria has rarely been reported in a returning traveler with no prior history of malaria infection. Here, we report an imported case of afebrile P. falciparum malaria infection from Tanzania in a returning traveler to the Republic of Korea, following an earlier COVID-19 infection without previous history of malaria infection. Our case suggests the hypothesis that severe symptoms of P. falciparum malaria infection might be prevented by cross- immunity from previous COVID-19 infection.

Keywords

• afebrile
• <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> malaria
• COVID-19 infection