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Cluster of falciparum malaria cases in UK airport

Alison J Rodger1, Graham S Cooke, Rosalynn Ord

  • 1Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK. a.rodger@pcps.ucl.ac.uk

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|August 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Six travelers returning from East Africa contracted Plasmodium falciparum malaria despite chemoprophylaxis. Molecular analysis revealed distinct parasite exposures, highlighting poor risk perception and prophylaxis adherence among travelers.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Malaria remains a significant global health concern, particularly Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Travelers returning from endemic regions are at risk of contracting malaria.
  • Airport malaria, though rare, poses a unique public health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a cluster of malaria cases in travelers returning from East Africa.
  • To identify potential sources of infection and transmission routes.
  • To assess the effectiveness of malaria chemoprophylaxis and traveler risk perception.

Main Methods:

  • Case identification and epidemiological investigation of 30 travelers.
  • Molecular genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum parasites from infected individuals.
  • Analysis of chemoprophylaxis use and self-reported risk perception.

Main Results:

  • A cluster of 6 Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases was identified among returning travelers.
  • Molecular genotyping indicated exposure to different parasite strains, suggesting multiple independent infections.
  • Poor adherence to malaria chemoprophylaxis and limited risk perception were reported by travelers.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the risk of malaria in travelers returning from East Africa, even with chemoprophylaxis.
  • Independent infections with different parasite strains suggest inadequate preventive measures.
  • Improved traveler education on malaria risk and prophylaxis is crucial to prevent future outbreaks.

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