Malaria in Brent: successful treatment in the community

40 cases of malaria seen in an 18 month period were reviewed. The clinical diagnosis was made by the general practitioner or casualty officer in 85%, and 45% of these were treated and discharged without further referral. In an area where a high awareness of malaria exists, uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax infection can be treated safely in the community. Primaquine should be given for the exo-erythrocyte stage and patients screened for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency before this.