Student Infected with Malaria Upon Returning from Africa|大學生非洲當志工 高市境外移入瘧疾首例

Kaohsiung City recently saw their first case of malaria from sources outside of Taiwan. A student was diagnosed with malaria after returning from a volunteer camp in Africa. Upon investigation, officials found that the student did not follow doctor's orders and stopped taking preventative medications only after a third of the prescribed duration. Multiple mosquito zappers have been set up within a 5-kilometer perimeter of the patient's home.


The officials of Kaohsiung City's health department have set up mosquito zappers in public parks. Recently, a case of malaria infection has been identified in the city's Sinshang District. Although the area is not known as a hotbed for marsh mosquitos, the carrier of the virus, but measures are still applied within a 5km radius around homes to prevent the possible spread of the virus. Local residents have also applied protective measures themselves.
We all wear over sleeves, towels and hats. I'm worried about mosquito bites.

The patient is a university student who recently returned from volunteer work in Africa on August 3. During the virus incubation period, which could last for more than 10 days, the patient returned to his university and traveled to Hong Kong. He visited a local hospital due to discomfort on August 15. It was then that he was diagnosed with malaria infection. The doctors also found that he only took 1/3 of the preventative medications prescribed for travelers to Africa.

It takes just a registration at a local hospital prior to traveling abroad to get the necessary preventative medications. I also need to stress that the public must follow the doctor's orders and take the full dose of the prescribed medication.

Although malaria has been eradicated in Taiwan, it is still possible for the virus to spread via sources that travel across the border. Fortunately, the patient has informed the doctors of his travel history which allowed them to quickly pinpoint the malaria infection. The health department also call on the public to follow the doctor's orders and take the preventative medications in full dose.