Analysis of imported malaria cases: 5 years of experience

Abstract

AIM: To analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data of malaria cases. BACKGROUND: Malaria is an infectious disease that is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. It is characterized by fever and can cause mortality, especially when the diagnosis is late. It threatens many populations worldwide. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed eight patients over the age of 18 years who were diagnosed with malaria. The patients were treated between July 2019 and July 2024. The diagnosis was identified when Plasmodium species were observed in thin and thick drop smears. RESULTS: All patients were male, and the mean age was 38 years. All cases were imported: the patients had traveled to Africa for work, and infections mostly came from areas where malaria is hyperendemic. Apart from Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum (n: 7 (87.5%)) was the most common species detected in the samples. The most common symptoms were fever, muscle pain, and headache. Two patients had previously used antimalarial drugs, and one had a history of prophylaxis. Artemisinin derivatives were used in the treatment of all cases, and some cases received primaquine. Two patients with severe malaria were treated with intravenous artesunate upon admission. One was admitted to the intensive care unit with cerebral malaria and required hemodialysis. There were no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: According to a report published by the WHO in 2013, malaria is in the elimination phase in Turkey. Travelers to malaria-endemic regions should receive prophylaxis. Malaria should be considered if they have recently returned with symptoms such as fever.

Keywords

• vector borne diseases,malaria,plasmodium,fever
• anopheles