Malaria in Travellers

Travellers visiting areas where transmission of malaria occurs are at risk of infection. Detailed knowledge of malaria endemicity is therefore needed to be able to provide travellers with guidance on the prevention of malaria. In returning travellers, the key symptom of malaria infection is fever, and any patients presenting to the health care system should be asked, “Have you been travelling?” Diagnostics are reviewed. Imported malaria is a rare diagnosis, and expertise in microscopy may be difficult to maintain. Rapid diagnostic tests and molecular methods are replacing microscopy for initial diagnosis. Treatment options are discussed, and especially in patients with severe malaria, the hospital taking care of the patient must have artesunate available. Treatment is special risk groups such as pregnant women and children are discussed.