Two unfavorable cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection returning from Tanzania.

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria has been eradicated in China; however, with the expansion of international trade in recent years, imported malaria cases have become non-negligible.

Case presentation: We report two cases of patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum who returned from Tanzania to Yunnan, China. The patients sought treatment at different hospitals after developing symptoms, mainly fever. However, the exact cause was not identified in time, and the patients' condition worsened progressively. Although the patients were finally diagnosed with malaria infection and received specific antimalarial drugs in our hospital, both died because of missing the optimal treatment window.

Conclusions: Chinese doctors should enhance their awareness of Plasmodium detection and receive professional training for timely diagnosis of malaria patients who return home after being infected abroad.