Last updated:
06 September 2004
1. Reason for surveillance
- To monitor the epidemiology and so inform the development of better prevention strategies
- To demonstrate to WHO Australia's malaria-free status.
2. Case definition
A confirmed case requires laboratory definitive evidence. Laboratory definitive evidence
- Detection and specific identification of malaria parasites by microscopy on blood films with confirmation of species in a laboratory with appropriate expertise, or
- Detection of Plasmodium species by nucleic acid testing.
Clinical evidence
Not applicable Epidemiological evidence
Not applicable
3. Notification criteria and procedure
Malaria is to be notified by:
- Laboratories on diagnosis (ideal reporting by routine mail).
Only confirmed cases should be entered onto NDD.
4. The disease
Infectious agents
The parasites Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. falciparum and P. ovale. Mode of transmission
Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infective female Anopheles mosquito. Timeline
The incubation periods are quite variable, depending on the species of parasite. Data from ICPMR indicates that:
- 75% of P. falciparum infections are diagnosed within 2 weeks of arrival in Australia (some several months later)
- 75% of P. vivax infections are diagnosed within 5 months (some up to 4 years later)
- 75% of P. ovale infections are diagnosed within 11 months (some up to 4 years later)
- Most P. malariae infections are diagnosed within 1 month (some not for many years).
Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. Untreated or insufficiently treated cases can be infective for mosquitoes for >3 years in P. malariae, 1 to 2 years in P. vivax and generally not more than 1 year in P. falciparum. Clinical presentation
The usual clinical presentation is fever, chills, sweating, sometimes with cough and diarrhoea but may progress to shock, coagulation defects, liver and renal failure, pulmonary oedema and death.
5. Managing single notifications
Response times
Investigation
Within 5 working days of notification, begin follow up investigation. On the day the information is obtained notify the Communicable Diseases Branch of any cases that were acquired in Australia. Investigation
Within 5 working days of notification enter on NDD confirmed cases only. Response times
The response to a notification will normally be carried out in collaboration with the case's health carers. PHU staff should:
- Confirm the diagnosis and onset date
- Identify the likely place of acquisition.
Case management
Treatment and investigation
Refer to Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic. Education
The case or relevant care-giver should be informed about the nature of the infection and the mode of transmission. In particular, emphasis should be placed on completing the recommended therapies. Isolation and restriction
None. Environmental evaluation
None. Exposure investigation
Call the patient to determine the likely place of acquisition of the infection. The place of acquisition (country and region within the country) should be entered in the beginning of the Clinical Notes section of NDD. Contact management
Not applicable.
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