Published online Jul 16, 2024. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4419
Revised: May 8, 2024
Accepted: May 20, 2024
Published online: July 16, 2024
Processing time: 85 Days and 23.9 Hours
On June 30, 2021, China received certification from the World Health Organization for malaria elimination. However, this certification does not signify the absence of malaria within China. Due to the increasing frequency of international exchanges and collaborations, the threat of imported malaria persists in China. Consequently, the prevention and control of imported malaria have become a primary focus for our country to maintain its malaria elimination status.
Herein, we present a case report of a 53-year-old Chinese man who worked in Africa for nearly two years. He was diagnosed with malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between November 19 and November 23, 2022. After receiving effective treatment with oral antimalarial drugs, his condition improved, allowing him to return to China. He was later admitted to our hospital on January 12, 2023, during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Huangshi, China. Through a thorough evaluation of the patient's symptoms, clinical signs, imaging and laboratory test results, and epidemiological data, he was rapidly diagnosed with severe cerebral malaria. The patient underwent successful treatment through a series of intensive care unit interventions.
The successful treatment of this imported case of severe cerebral malaria provides a valuable reference for managing patients with similar malaria infections and has significant clinical implications.
Core Tip: China has achieved significant milestones in malaria prevention and control, earning recognition as a malaria-free nation by the World Health Organization. However, to safeguard against malaria resurgence and uphold this malaria-free status, China must prioritize the following malaria prevention and control efforts: (1) Surveillance and monitoring: Enhance the surveillance system for malaria cases, particularly in border regions and areas with high international mobility; (2) border area prevention and control: Strengthen collaboration and information exchange with neighboring countries, to prevent cross-border malaria transmission; (3) public education and awareness; (4) supporting malaria research; (5) international collaboration; and (6) climate change response. By implementing these measures, China can effectively prevent malaria resurgence and sustain its malaria elimination status.