Deutlicher Anstieg der Malaria-Todesfälle in Deutschland nach dem Ende der COVID-19-Pandemie

Die Malaria ist eine potenziell lebensbedrohliche akute Erkrankung, die jährlich mehr als 249 Millionen klinische Erkrankungen und etwa 608000 Todesfälle weltweit verursacht. In Deutschland findet seit den 1950er-Jahren keine autochthone Transmission der Malaria mehr statt [1]. Die rund 800–1000 Malariafälle, die jedes Jahr in Deutschland diagnostiziert und an das Robert Koch-Institut gemeldet werden, können daher beinahe ausschließlich durch Infektionen aufgrund von Reisen in tropische Gebiete erklärt werden [1] [2].

Abstract

In the context of the end of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the renewed increase in international travel was accompanied by a disproportionate rise in deaths due to importated malaria in Germany. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a delay in establishing the diagnosis of imported malaria, which is associated with a deterioration in the prognosis. In order to significantly reduce the number or completely avoid malaria deaths in Germany in the future, there is an urgent need to raise awareness among those involved in the healthcare system.

Measures to effectively communicate the risk and appropriate measures to prevent malaria to travellers are necessary to reverse the negative trend. Rapid diagnosis and adequate management are important to improve survival. For this reason early presentation in the healthcare system in case of fever after returning from the tropics is necessary.

Schlüsselwörter

Malaria - Pandemie

Keywords

malaria - pandemic

Publication History

Received: 29 February 2024

Accepted: 23 April 2024

Article published online:
11 June 2024

• Literatur

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