[Imported malaria in children (1993-1998)]

Malaria is the world's most important parasitic infection, accounting for an estimated 300 million cases and 1.5 to 3 million deaths annually. Although it has been eradicated from temperate countries, increasing numbers of travellers visit each year tropical countries, where malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Children are particularly at risk from malaria since symptoms can be especially severe and can develop rapidly. Symptoms may differ from those in adults and, as children often have febrile illnesses, malaria could not be suspected. Eleven cases of imported mala-na in children which ages was between 15 month until 13 years, were seen in the Sant Joan de D|u Hospital, Barcelona (Spain) since August 1993 until August 1998. The aetiology was in 7 cases Plasmodium falciparum and in 4 cases Plasmodium vivax, in one case we found also with the P. falciparum some forms of P. malariae. All of them experience fever and anaemia at admission and nine had splenomegaly; the evolution after the treatment was fine. Cases of imported malaria in children are increasing and it is timely to review the prevention and the management.