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Vol 60, No 1-2 (2009)
Original article
Submitted: 2013-02-18
Published online: 2009-12-17
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Malaria among seamen in Klaipeda in 1999-2008

Ruta Ščerbavičienë, Rimantas Pilipavičius
IMH 2009;60(1-2):29-32.

open access

Vol 60, No 1-2 (2009)
MARITIME MEDICINE Original article
Submitted: 2013-02-18
Published online: 2009-12-17

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.

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.

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Keywords

malaria; risk; seafarers; P. falciparum

About this article
Title

Malaria among seamen in Klaipeda in 1999-2008

Journal

International Maritime Health

Issue

Vol 60, No 1-2 (2009)

Article type

Original article

Pages

29-32

Published online

2009-12-17

Page views

679

Article views/downloads

1407

Bibliographic record

IMH 2009;60(1-2):29-32.

Keywords

malaria
risk
seafarers
P. falciparum

Authors

Ruta Ščerbavičienë
Rimantas Pilipavičius

References (6)
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    PubMed
  2. Tomaszunas S. Malaria in seafarers. 1. The magniture of the problem and the strategy of its control. Bull Inst Marit Trop Med Gdynia. 1998; 49(1-4): 53–61.
    PubMed
  3. Shoda M, Shimizu K, Nagano M, et al. Malaria infections in crews of Japanese ships. Int Marit Health. 2001; 52(1-4): 9–18.
    PubMed
  4. Wernsdorfer WH. Protection against malaria among seafarers. Int Marit Health. 2002; 53(1-4): 7–17.
    PubMed
  5. Goljan J, Nahorski WL, Wroczyńska A, et al. Severe malaria--analysis of prognostic symptoms and signs in 169 patients treated in Gdynia in 1991-2005. Int Marit Health. 2006; 57(1-4): 149–162.
    PubMed
  6. Hansen HL, Hansen KG, Andersen PL. Scand J Inf Dis. 1996; 28: 107–110.

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