The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan have confirmed the first malaria death in 18 years, which is a rare occurrence.
A Taiwanese businessman in his 50s who recently travelled to Nigeria died from malaria earlier this month.
According to CDC Deputy Director-General Lo Yi-chun, the person who returned from Nigeria in late November did not take any medication to prevent malaria.
Shortly after arriving in Taiwan, he started experiencing symptoms such as fever and chills, which are consistent with malaria.
Yi-Chun mentioned that, despite initially suspecting septicemia and testing for dengue fever and influenza, the man’s symptoms persisted and showed characteristics associated with thrombocytopenia, liver problems, and jaundice.
Dr. Lin Yung-ching from the CDC has revealed that malaria was confirmed after carefully considering the patient’s travel history.
Tests confirmed the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal malaria parasite, as well as complications involving brain disease.
Treatment for malaria was given, but the patient’s health quickly worsened, leading to multiple organ failure, hydrocephalus, and septic shock. The patient ultimately passed away six days after the symptoms started.
Deputy Director Lee Chia-lin of the Central Epidemic Command Center emphasized that malaria spreads through mosquito bites from infected mosquitoes. Symptoms of malaria can appear within seven to 30 days after being bitten. Early symptoms to watch out for include fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue.
According to Lo Yi-chun, the fatality rate for cerebral malaria can reach 100% if not treated promptly.
However, with treatment, the rate drops to 15-20%. Taiwan has reported five cases of malaria this year, all of which were imported.
The cases involved individuals aged 20-50, including four foreign nationals and one Taiwanese person from Nigeria, India, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast.
