Evaluation of Imported Malaria Cases Detected in Sivas Province

Introduction: Malaria is an infectious disease that often presents with symptoms of fever, anemia, and splenomegaly and can result in mortality if left untreated. In this study, we aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics, clinical findings, and prognosis of cases diagnosed with and treated for malaria in our center. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted between May 2013 and September 2021 at the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Clinic of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital. The study included 23 adult patients aged 18 and above who were diagnosed, followed up, and treated for malaria. The diagnosis was made by detecting the parasite in thick and thin blood smears taken during the febrile period of the patients. Information about the patients was obtained by reviewing their medical records and discharge summaries in the hospital database. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study group was 34 ± 11 years (range= 18-51 years), and all except one were male. Six of the imported malaria cases were African students, and 16 were Turkish citizens who went to work in African countries. The only female patient in the study group had a history of a tourist trip. Upon examining the distribution of patients based on the geographic regions they originated from, Nigeria was identified as the most frequent origin (n= 6). P. falciparum (n= 18, 78%) was the most commonly detected pathogen. The most common symptoms observed in patients were fever accompanied by chills and shivering, myalgia/joint pain, and headache. Twelve patients had a history of previous malaria infection and treatment. It was found that none of the patients used prophylaxis. All patients were treated with artemisinin derivatives. Artesunate therapy was administered to two patients with a severe clinical course before oral treatment. Two of our patients required intensive care during follow-up. There was no mortality in any of our patients. Conclusion: As a result of the serious and successful implementation of malaria control programs, the World Health Organization reported in its 2011 malaria report that malaria had been eliminated in Türkiye. The cases detected in our country are of foreign origin. To prevent these cases, preventive measures including prophylaxis should be increased, especially for work or tourist trips to regions where the disease is endemic.