Background: Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Plasmodium, accounting for 36% of under-five mortality. About 4.5% of all malaria-infected children reported at least one symptom of severe malaria, with worsening outcome. COVID-19 and malaria shared similar clinical presentation in children this similarity may lead to delay in initiation of treatment for malaria, with progression from uncomplicated to severe forms and consequently high mortality. Thus, we set out to study the extent COVID-19 impacted on the burden and pattern of severe malaria. Methods: It was a retrospective study of all the children admitted into the children’s emergency room severe malaria, from March 2018 to February 2022. The data collected included the total number of admissions within the period, the month and year of admission, age, gender, the component of severe malaria that was the final diagnosis and outcome of management. Data were analysed using NCSS 9 statistical software. Results: There were 4761 admissions within the study period: males were 54.7%, subjects 1-<60 months were 60.5% and pre COVID-19 period were 63.7%. The prevalence rates of severe malaria in CHER were 2.6%. Among those with severe malaria, the case fatality rate was 10.7%. Severe malarial anemia was the most common accounting for 49.2% and has predilection for the younger age. Cerebral malaria was predominantly diagnosed during the COVID-19 period. Conclusions: The prevalence of severe malaria was 2.6% and severe malaria anaemia was the most common mode of presentation while cerebral malaria was diagnosed more during the COVID-19 period.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.