Frequency and complications of falciparum malaria among febrile staff members of UN deployed to Northern Sudan

Abstract

Malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease, common around the globe especially in poorest countries. It is inevitable and remediable, yet it is still killing many people every year, 90% of them are in Africa. Malaria is an important threat to tourists, soldiers and employees travelling or working in endemic areas. The present study was carried out among UN staff members working in regions of Damazin, AL Obayid, kosti and areas of Blue and White Nile States. Study period comprised five years from Jan 2006 to Dec 2010. Febrile patients both males and females were screened for malaria. Thereafter, the malaria positive patients were further screened for Plasmodium falciparum andPlasmodium vivax. P. falciparum was found in 80% of febrile patients. Most of the patients (63.6%) presented in the first two days of febrile illness and the largest number ofFalciparum malaria cases was reported from July to October each year. Mean index offalciparum malaria at presentation was a major factor in determining hematological and liver functions derangements and the time taken for fever to settle after starting either of two antimalarial drugs, that is, quinine or artemether. Key words: Plasmodium falciparum, plasmodium vivax, quinine, artemether, falciparumIndex.