Plasmodium ovale malaria acquired in central Spain

Area of Science:

• * Tropical Medicine
• * Infectious Diseases
• * Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• * Malaria is a significant global health concern, primarily transmitted through Anopheles mosquitoes in endemic areas.
• * While travel to endemic regions is the most common risk factor for malaria in non-endemic countries, autochthonous transmission can occur.
• * Plasmodium ovale is one of the less common malaria parasite species, historically found in specific regions of Africa and Asia.

Observation:

• * A case of locally acquired Plasmodium ovale malaria is reported in a Spanish woman.
• * The patient had no history of international travel or other known risk factors for malaria exposure.
• * This represents a rare instance of malaria transmission within a non-endemic European country.

Findings:

• * The diagnosis of Plasmodium ovale malaria was confirmed in a patient without a travel history to endemic areas.
• * The absence of typical risk factors underscores the potential for unexpected malaria transmission routes.
• * This case demonstrates that malaria can be acquired locally, even in regions where it is not typically endemic.

Implications:

• * Clinicians in non-endemic areas must consider malaria in the differential diagnosis, even in patients without travel history.
• * Enhanced surveillance and diagnostic capabilities are crucial for detecting and managing unexpected malaria cases.
• * Understanding local transmission dynamics is vital for public health strategies aimed at malaria elimination.