A Short Communication: An Imported Case of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Malaria Infection from Ivory Coast leave to Iran

Abstract

Malaria is the most common cause of fever in travellers returning from malaria-endemic areas. Imported malaria can hinder the progress  of elimination programs. In the present study, we describe an imported malaria case in a 45-year-old Iranian man from Ivory  Coast who had returned to Iran after taking annual leave. He was hospitalized in Kamkar-Arabnia Hospital, Qom, central Iran, in January  2023. Symptoms were fever, chills, sweating, cough, myalgia, sweating, anorexia, diarrhoea, and headache. Rapid detection test and  blood smears were positive for Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte. The patient was treated with an antimalarial drug and discharged  from the hospital with normal vital signs. Health education is recommended for people before leaving and screening after returning from  travel. In addition, using RDT tests for screening people who return to the country is suggested to health staff and organizations.