Attention Malaria Infected: No Escape!
KDCA Focuses on Malaria Early Diagnosis Through Collaboration with Military, Civilian, and Government Sectors
- The KDCA is implementing the malaria early diagnosis program during general health checkups at 16 cities, counties, and districts prone to malaria.
- The program is designed to diagnose malaria infection and provide treatment for confirmed cases upon detecting infected RBCs in blood tests.
Osong, 26th August 2024 – The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has reported that a program aimed at the early diagnosis of malaria-infected patients is underway to address delays in malaria diagnosis caused by asymptomatic patients and those with similar symptoms. This program is part of the ‘Second Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan for 2024-2028’, which was announced on April 25.
The program was developed based on the fact that infected red blood cells (iRBCs) can be detected through hematology analysis conducted during general health checkups. It is an initiative within active malaria surveillance, aimed at diagnosing malaria infection through microscopic examination or genetic testing, and providing treatment for confirmed cases upon detecting infected RBCs in hematology analysis.
Patients with Vivax malaria commonly show symptoms within a few weeks and months (and in some cases, up to 5 years) after being bitten by vector mosquitoes (Anopheles spp.). Malaria early diagnosis is critical for eliminating malaria, as patients often mistake early symptoms, such as mild fever, for common cold, leading to delayed diagnosis.
The program involves 47 organizations located in 16 cities, counties, and districts prone to malaria. These organizations consist of 6 public health centers, 22 private medical institutions, 12 military hospitals, and 7 referral laboratories.
The program, conducted from April to July this year, detected 674 infected RBCs out of approximately 3.8 million blood counts. Of these cases, 136 (20.2%) were confirmed as malaria-positive, and the patients were promptly reported and treated at healthcare facilities.
This proactive approach to early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in preventing patient outbreaks by stopping the potential for secondary transmission* from vector mosquitoes, further contributing to the elimination of malaria.
*New malaria cases occur when a mosquito, carrying the parasite, bites someone after feeding on an infected person.
KDCA Commissioner Dr. Youngmee Jee emphasized the importance of vigilance among medical institutions, especially hospitals and clinics in high-risk areas. “We urge healthcare providers to actively conduct malaria diagnostic tests whenever symptoms are suspected or infected RBCs are identified,” said Dr. Jee.
She also added, “As the malaria alert has been issued from August 7th, we advise residents and visitors to high-risk areas to get tested at the nearest public health center or medical institution if they experience any suspected symptoms of malaria, such as headache, loss of appetite, chills, or high fever, even if the symptoms are mild.”
* For detailed information, please refer to the press release written in the Korean language in the file attached below.