Falciparum malaria is the most severe form of malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, with severe constitutional symptoms and sometimes causing death.
The number of imported falciparum malaria cases has been increasing in the past 20 years with the highest number seen in people traveling to West Africa. (1)
It is commonly seen within 3 months of return from an endemic area (2).
Falciparum malaria may lead to intravascular haemolysis with haematuria and then is known as blackwater fever.
Reference:
- 1. Smith AD et al. Imported malaria and high risk groups: observational study using UK surveillance data 1987-2006. BMJ 2008;337(7661):103-106
- 2. Lalloo DJ et al. UK malaria treatment guidelines. Journal of Infection 2007;54:111-121
- 3. Public Health England. Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the UK 2019
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