Falciparum malaria presenting with pruritic rashes.
Rash is not generally believed to be a symptom of malaria. Two cases of acute falciparum malaria in non-immune residents of Mozambique who presented with pruritic rashes are reported. One case exhibited classical urticaria, the other a pruritic papular rash. Review of the literature reveals cases of malaria from India, East Africa, France, and the USA presenting with urticaria or a pruritic rash. Previous exposure to malaria may be a factor in these presentations. Physicians should not discount the diagnosis of malaria in patients with a history of exposure if they present with a rash. This may be of particular importance in travellers returned from malarious areas to developed countries.
Toovey
S
S
SAA-Netcare Travel Clinics, South Africa and Mozambique, P.O. Box 786692, Sandton 2146, South Africa.
Jamieson
A
A
Nettleton
G
G
Hatz
C
C