Several tragic cases of deaths due to missed diagnonis of severe Malaria were reported in the past week.
Misdiagnosis such as meningitis, flu and viral hepatitis.
Alert labs to thrombocytopaenia on FBC as important finding with Malaria, especialy when the doctor does not suspect Malaria and therefore has not required a Malaria test. It is currently peak Malaria season in Southern Africa.
“High number of cases in Limpopo and Mpumalanga; including an increase in the KwaZulu- Natal Province and surrounding countries, especialy Mozambqiue.”
Any person that resides in a Malaria area or recently travelled and presents with fever, flu,extreme tiredness, jaundice and CNS signs must have an URGENT Malaria test.
Repeat if negative.
Treatment:
Uncomplicated Malaria – Coartem,
Severe Malaria – Artesunate
www.nicd.ac.za for Malaria treatment guidelines.
Prof Lucille Blumberg
Deputy-Director: Epidemiology & Medical Consultant, Centre for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases
