Cases of 'airport' and 'luggage' malaria are on rise in Europe which has been regarded as a troubling trend by health experts as it can lead to local spread of the mosquito-borne disease. Frequent travellers need to watch out for this type of Malaria which is growing in numbers with each passing year. A study explores the trend and warns people to be careful and take safety measures.
A new study published in Eurosurveillance reveals the growing number of such cases. A team of researchers identified 145 cases between 2018 and 2022 out of which 105 were classified as airport malaria, 32 as luggage malaria, and for the remaining eight cases, the investigators could not differentiate between the two types.
Difference between airport and luggage Malaria
Both kinds of transmission happen outside an endemic area. Airport malaria occurs when an individual is bitten by a mosquito that has entered a non-endemic area via an airport. This can happen when someone has arrived from a malaria-prone region. Luggage malaria, on the other hand, involves infection through mosquitoes hidden in luggage.
According to the study, airport malaria cases in Europe have increased 7.4 times since 2000 and the reasons could range from climate change to increased trade.
Countries where they are on rise
Airport malaria cases have been mostly found in France (52), Belgium (19) and Germany (nine) as per the report, while luggage malaria cases are less common. 23 cases were reported in France, while Italy and Germany recorded 3 each.
To address the rise in luggage and airport malaria cases, the researchers of the study recommend that airlines adhere to World Health Organization disinsection procedures. This includes spraying pesticides in passenger cabins, particularly in toilet areas, and throughout the cargo hold.
Doctors are also urged to consider malaria as a possibility in cases of unexplained fever, even without recent travel to endemic regions.
Malaria and its symptoms
Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Treatment of the disease includes antimalarial drugs and managing symptoms. Without treatment, the disease could have life-threatening consequences.
Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, headache, tiredness, muscular pain, nausea, vomiting. Symptoms usually appear 6 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However in some cases, it can at times take up to a year. Kidney failure, seizures and jaundice are among serious symptoms of Malaria.
Malaria kills over 400,000 people annually which includes young children and pregnant women. If left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications like kidney failure, seizures, and coma, but early treatment is highly effective.
