Malaria among seafarers in Klaipeda in 1999-2008

In the 10 years from 1999 to 2008, 33 imported malaria cases were recorded in Klaipeda, in 31 people from Lithuania and in 2 foreigners, from 1 to 8 cases per year. Among them, there were 28 infections of seafarers, who were probably infected in West Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, or Angola. For all of them, malaria was a work-related health risk. Plasmodia of all species were detected in their blood, but in the majority of cases (24) it was Plasmodium falciparum. In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by blood examination - thick and thin films. About 10% of patients had the severe form of the disease. Two seafarers died of falciparum malaria, one in Angola and one in Klaipeda. Preventive measures such as chemoprophylaxis and avoidance of mosquito bites were not always used by them. Therefore, the staff of the Klaipeda Public Health Centre focus their work on the health training of seafarers, explaining the risk of infection, advising how to avoid mosquito bites, and how to use antimalarial drugs for prophylaxis.