Fatal falciparum malaria and the availability of parenteral antimalarial drugs in hospitals

Abstract

The incidence of cases of malaria imported into the United Kingdom has increased. Early and appropriate treatment in severe cases is vital, but hospital pharmacies may not always stock parenteral antimalarial drugs. We report on a case of fatal falciparum malaria in a patient on long-term steroid treatment and suggest that parenteral antimalarial drugs should always be available in district general hospitals in England and Wales that admit patients with acute illness.