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Malaria cases in children, primarily Plasmodium vivax, were observed in Nottingham among immigrant families visiting Asia. Prompt diagnosis and travel advice are crucial for preventing and managing this preventable disease.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Malaria remains a significant concern for travelers, particularly children of immigrant families returning from endemic regions.
- Delayed diagnosis of malaria can lead to prolonged illness and potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric malaria cases in Nottingham.
- To highlight the importance of travel history in diagnosing febrile illnesses in children with immigrant backgrounds.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric malaria admissions over a five-and-a-half-year period.
- Data collection included patient demographics, Plasmodium species, travel history, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Sixteen pediatric malaria cases were identified, predominantly Plasmodium vivax, in children of Pakistani immigrant parents.
- Symptom onset varied, with some cases presenting up to nine months after returning from Asia.
- Two cases of Plasmodium vivax experienced relapse despite chloroquine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers should inquire about recent travel to malaria-endemic areas in children presenting with febrile illnesses.
- Travel agencies should provide malaria prophylaxis information to families visiting endemic regions.
- Effective malaria control requires vigilance in diagnosis and appropriate preventive measures for at-risk populations.
Abstract:
In five and a half years 16 children were admitted to hospital in Nottingham suffering from malaria. Thirteen cases were caused by Plasmodium vivax and two by P falciparum, and in one the type was not identified. All were children of immigrant parents, predominantly from Pakistan, although most were born in England but had been visiting Asia. Three children were ill on or soon after arrival, but in the others the onset of symptoms was delayed by up to nine months. All made an uneventful recovery, although two children with P vivax infections had a further relapse after chloroquine treatment only. The question "Where have you been?" should be put to all immigrant parents whose children have a febrile illness. Agencies who provide travel for Asian immigrant families returning home for a visit should be encouraged to provide instructions about malaria prophylaxis.