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Malaria among refugee children at arrival in the United States

Stacene R Maroushek1, Edwin F Aguilar, William Stauffer

  • 1University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Malaria is common in West African refugee children arriving in the U.S., with 60% prevalence found in this study. Many infected children were asymptomatic, highlighting the need for screening upon arrival.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Global Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Malaria is highly prevalent in West African children, often asymptomatic.
  • Limited data exists on malaria prevalence in refugee children resettling in the U.S.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of malaria among asymptomatic Liberian refugee children arriving in the U.S.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of Liberian refugee children from 1997-2000.
  • Analysis of malaria smear results and clinical findings during medical screening.

Main Results:

  • Overall malaria prevalence was 60% (34/57 cases).
  • 29% of children with malaria were asymptomatic.
  • Splenomegaly, fever, and thrombocytopenia were highly specific indicators.

Conclusions:

  • West African refugee children present a significant malaria burden.
  • Thorough physical exams, complete blood counts, and malaria blood smears are recommended for arriving refugees.
Abstract

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