ILOILO City – Western Visayas has reported two imported malaria cases so far this year, from January to February.
The cases were identified in individuals from this city and the province of Iloilo, both males and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with a history of travel in Africa, a region that remains endemic for malaria.
According to Dr. Bea Natalaray, medical officer at the Infectious Disease Section of the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6, the diagnosis of malaria was confirmed for the two OFWs after they showed fever, prompting medical consultations.
For the OFW from the province, a DOH-6 investigation revealed that after experiencing fever and having previously suffered from malaria in Africa, he decided to consult and inform his local doctor about his travel history. This led to a blood smear test that tested positive for the malaria parasite.
Similarly, the OFW from the city, who had a prior diagnosis, developed fever and also reported travel in Africa, resulting in a positive blood smear test.
Currently, the two OFWs are outpatients but under 28-day monitoring, with regular blood sample collections to ensure the absence of malaria parasites in their bodies.
DOH-6 has also provided them with medications to facilitate a quicker recovery.
Natalaray mentioned that imported cases of malaria in the region is not a new occurrence, with one case reported in 2023, one in 2022, three in 2021, and one in 2020 from various provinces.
She further clarified that although imported cases were identified in Iloilo City and province, the region is still deemed malaria-free as there are no local or indigenous cases originating from within.
“The bottom line is to sustain our status as a malaria-free province or region,” Natalaray emphasized.
To maintain the malaria-free status, DOH-6, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), enhances surveillance of OFWs, particularly during the December and January vacation period.
“We intensify our surveillance, especially for OFWs from countries endemic with malaria. If they have fever, we immediately suspect malaria and take blood samples,” Natalaray explained.
Cooperation from everyone, especially OFWs from endemic countries, is crucial. They are urged to visit a doctor and report their travel history immediately upon exhibiting signs and symptoms like headaches and fever.
Accurate information, particularly regarding travel history, is vital for DOH-6 and LGUs to implement measures to prevent malaria’s spread in the region.
In the case of the two OFWs, during blood smear collection, specific attention is given to identifying any infective stage in the specimen to prevent the spread of mosquitoes carrying malaria.
“We examine the smear to detect any visible infective stage. If a case is found, we inspect the area and the breeding sites of potential mosquito species,” said Natalaray.
An area must meet several requirements to be considered malaria-free, including no locally acquired confirmed indigenous cases in the last five years, a functional Provincial Malaria Elimination and Response Hub, a functional provincial surveillance and response system, a diagnostic and treatment system for malaria cases, entomological surveillance, a quality assurance system for malaria microscopy and vector control, and local ordinances supporting malaria activities.
Other factors contributing to maintaining the status include a fully functional surveillance system capable of conducting investigations and prompt reporting of malaria cases in every LGU and a functional Provincial Malaria Elimination Hub.
Early detection, prompt treatment, reporting, and recording of cases through the Online Malaria Information System; provision of vector control commodities like long-lasting insecticide nets and insecticides; availability of malaria drugs at the Provincial Malaria Elimination Hub; continuous capability building by the region; and continuous advocacy and awareness campaigns about malaria are significant in maintaining the malaria-free status.
Differentiating between dengue and malaria is crucial, as both diseases have similar signs and symptoms and are transmitted by mosquitoes. However, travel history serves as a key basis for suspecting a malaria case.
DOH-6 continues its campaign and implements surveillance measures to prevent malaria’s entry into the region.
“Surveillance is vital. It’s crucial to provide treatment to eliminate all parasites in the body and prevent local mosquitoes from becoming vectors,” Natalaray emphasized.
She also revisited the 4S strategies to prevent the spread of dengue, which include searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites; taking self-protection measures such as wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts and using mosquito repellent; seeking early treatment; and supporting fogging or spraying only in hotspot areas where an increase in cases has been registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.
Preventive measures for malaria include awareness of endemic areas, bite prevention through wearing long-sleeved clothes, using insect repellants and mosquito nets (preferably insecticide-treated), and prophylactic treatment when traveling to endemic areas.
Infants, pregnant women, persons living with HIV-AIDS, children aged five years and below, as well as individuals with low immunity moving to areas with intense malaria transmission, such as migrant workers, mobile populations, and travelers, are at risk of becoming infected with malaria.
The first symptoms – fever, headache, and chills – usually appear 10 to 15 days after the infective mosquito bite and can be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria.
If left untreated, malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.
In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that nearly half of the world’s population was at risk of malaria.
Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduce disease, prevent deaths, and contribute to reducing transmission.
WHO recommends that all suspected cases of malaria be confirmed using parasite-based diagnostic testing (either microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test).
Diagnostic testing allows health providers to distinguish between malarial and non-malarial fevers swiftly, facilitating appropriate treatment.
The best available treatment, according to WHO, is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).
The primary objective of treatment is to ensure the rapid and complete elimination of Plasmodium parasites, preventing an uncomplicated case of malaria from progressing to severe disease or death. /PN
