[Malaria: the most important emergency in subjects returning from the tropics]

Malaria is the most important emergency in people returning from tropical countries. Falciparum malaria may lead to coma and death within a few hours. The symptoms are generally not specific. A history of travelling in tropical countries is the most important factor in diagnosis. In the case of fever after a journey in the tropics, malaria must always be considered in the first place. Laboratory diagnosis is established by finding of plasmodia in blood smears. Vivax, ovale and quartan malaria is treated by chloroquine. Falciparum malaria is usually treated by mefloquine, Fansimef, quinine or quinidine.