PHILADELPHIA — Malaria prophylaxis may be insufficiently utilized among
all types of travelers from the United Kingdom. However, white vacationers to
West Africa were at significantly increased risk for acquiring a severe form of
the disease, according to results from a study presented here.
To describe the epidemiology and to assess the clinical management of
confirmed severe malaria during 2008 in the United Kingdom (n=112), researchers
pooled data from the Health Protection Agency Malaria Reference Laboratory.
The data were presented during a symposium at the American Society of
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's 60th Annual Meeting.
Compared with 18.8% of cases in whites, black African (71%) males
(58.9%) aged 17 to 65 years (78.4%) were the most common group affected by
severe malaria. The frequency of cases peaked during June and December (26.8%),
according to the researchers.
Of 83.9% of total cases that were acquired in West Africa, 50% reported
travel to visit relatives and 20.2% were on vacation. Proper prophylaxis was
administered in only 17.5% of those visiting relatives and in 20% of
vacationers.
The study evidenced significant shortages in containing "severe cases of
malaria in the United Kingdom."
For more information:
- Herman JS. #13. Presented at: the American Society of Tropical
Medicine and Hygiene 60th Annual Meeting; Dec. 4-8, 2011; Philadelphia.
Disclosure: Dr. Herman reports no relevant financial disclosures.