Severe falciparum malaria remains a threat in East Kalimantan: A case report

The incidence of malaria has decreased significantly in East Kalimantan Province, a tropical forest area in Indonesia since the last 2 decades. Although malaria cases now are rare in most parts of this province, they do not disappear. Less experience with malaria cases could cause misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of malaria and severe malaria, a life-threatening disease. It was reported a severe falciparum malaria in a 31-year-old male patient treated at a hospital in Samarinda, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. This patient was admitted to hospital with several complications including acute kidney injury, impaired consciousness, jaundice and liver dysfunction, high parasitemia, and severe thrombocytopenia. This patient was treated with artesunate injection and symptomatic and supportive treatments. Although the prognosis was poor due to many complications, this patient had full recovery. Early diagnosis and prompt and proper treatment play important role in managing severe malaria cases.