Malaria in children of new immigrants from Ethiopia
Elitsur, Y.; Braver, M.; Carmi, R.
Harefuah 106(9): 398-400
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 6469113 Document Number: 224024
In 1967 Israel was declared a malaria-free area by the WHO. Following the Six Day War new cases of malaria appeared, originating from the Sinai Peninsula. However, after Israel's withdrawal from the Sinai in 1977 the disease disappeared almost completely. In May 1980 the 1st cases of malaria were encountered in children of new immigrants from Ethiopia. Since then, 13 children with malaria were hospitalized here. The main symptom in all was fever; splenomegaly was found in almost all and the most common laboratory finding was a rapid sedimentation rate. The disease ran a benign course, with only 1 case of recurrence due to poor compliance with treatment at home. Eight patients were admitted and treated shortly after arrival in this country. Another 4 were hospitalized several months after immigrating. The latter may have had relapses or else had been infected with a specific strain with a long incubation period. Since further immigration from Ethiopia is expected, it is suggested that the possibility of malarial infection among immigrants from Ethiopia should be borne in mind.