RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Malaria deaths in visitors to Canada and in Canadian travellers: a case series
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 654
OP 659
VO 164
IS 5
A1 Kevin C. Kain
A1 Douglas W. MacPherson
A1 Tim Kelton
A1 Jay S. Keystone
A1 Jack Mendelson
A1 J. Dick MacLean
YR 2001
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/164/5/654.abstract
AB Over the last decade there has been a marked increase in cases of drug-resistant and severe malaria in Canadian travellers. We report 7 deaths due to falciparum malaria that occurred in Canada or in Canadian travellers. Risks for malaria infection include inappropriate recommendations for malaria prevention by health care providers and lack of knowledge about or adherence to appropriate recommendations by the travelling public. Risks for death include delays in seeking medical attention, delays in diagnosis and inadequate care by Canadian physicians and hospitals, and lack of access to parenteral therapy for severe malaria. Malaria infections and deaths are preventable. Better education of health care providers and travellers about the risks of malaria and appropriate prevention and treatment measures may decrease this unnecessary burden on the Canadian health care system.