Vol 60, No 1-2 (2009)
Original article
Published online: 2009-12-17
Malaria among seamen in Klaipeda in 1999-2008
IMH 2009;60(1-2):29-32.
Abstract
In the 10 years from 1999 to 2008, 33 imported malaria cases were recorded in Klaipeda, in 31 people
from Lithuania and in 2 foreigners, from 1 to 8 cases per year. Among them, there were 28 infections of
seafarers, who were probably infected in West Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, or Angola. For all of them,
malaria was a work-related health risk. Plasmodia of all species were detected in their blood, but in the
majority of cases (24) it was Plasmodium falciparum. In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by blood
examination - thick and thin films.
About 10% of patients had the severe form of the disease. Two seafarers died of falciparum malaria, one in Angola and one in Klaipeda. Preventive measures such as chemoprophylaxis and avoidance of mosquito bites were not always used by them. Therefore, the staff of the Klaipeda Public Health Centre focus their work on the health training of seafarers, explaining the risk of infection, advising how to avoid mosquito bites, and how to use antimalarial drugs for prophylaxis.
About 10% of patients had the severe form of the disease. Two seafarers died of falciparum malaria, one in Angola and one in Klaipeda. Preventive measures such as chemoprophylaxis and avoidance of mosquito bites were not always used by them. Therefore, the staff of the Klaipeda Public Health Centre focus their work on the health training of seafarers, explaining the risk of infection, advising how to avoid mosquito bites, and how to use antimalarial drugs for prophylaxis.
Keywords: malariariskseafarersP. falciparum
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