Malaria

Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 93% of all malaria cases and 94% of deaths in 2018

Aetiology

  • Plasmodium parasite from female anopheles mosquito
  • P. falciparum most severe - can cross the blood-brain barrier

Clinical presentation

  • Very variable
  • Fever
  • Pallor
  • Non-specific malaise
  • P. falciparum can rapidly progress to severe cerebral malaria, seizures and coma

Investigations

  • Blood film for microscopy or rapid diagnostic test

Management

Treatment

  • Aremisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for 3 days
  • Severe malaria - IM or IV artesunate until can tolerate oral treatment

Prevention

  • In high transmission areas give preventative treatment to all infants alongside routine vaccines
  • Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)
  • Pilot projects for malaria vaccine