Deaths from Falciparum Malaria in the U.K.

Among individuals with imported falciparum malaria, older age, delayed care, no chemoprophylaxis, and birth in Europe were associated with increased risk for death.

Imported malaria in nonendemic countries continues to claim lives, despite the availability of effective drugs for treatment and prevention. Investigators recently examined risk factors for death from falciparum malaria in the U.K., where reporting of malaria cases is compulsory and treatment is free. Rates of imported malaria are comparatively high there because of extensive ties with malaria-endemic countries.

Among 25,054 patients with confirmed falciparum malaria between 1987 and 2006, 184 died. The case fatality rate — 0.73% overall — increased with age, peaking at 4.6% in those >65. The rate was higher in tourists than in travelers visiting friends and relatives (3.0% vs. 0.32%), higher in tourists visiting The Gambia than in those vis…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine