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A clinical experience of malaria in east Timor
Background:
The author spent February and March of this year as a doctor with Timor Aid, a local aid organisation based in Dili. That time was spent in the coastal region bordering west Timor at a place called Batugade and later in the central mountainous area known as Ainaro. The majority of cases of malaria were recorded and the morbidity patterns clinically documented, although no laboratory diagnosis was possible; indeed none was available.
Objective:
A study of 107 cases of malaria seen in the remote areas of east Timor is reported and the implications for Australia are discussed.
Discussion:
The disease is common in east Timor and is most prevalent in children. It is an extremely serious condition and deaths are occurring. The current treatment protocols are considered appropriate; the need for public health measures are stressed.