Malaria among hilltribe communities in northern Thailand: a review of clinical manifestations

Abstract

Malaria is an important vector-borne disease in the tropics. Northern Thailand is endemic for malaria. We reviewed the clinical manifestations presented by patients with malaria; our data were drawn from the database of Mae Chaem Hospital, Chiang Mai Province. Mae Chaem district is hilly and rural. More than 80% of the district's population are members of hilltribes. The database showed that between July 2000 and April 2001, a final diagnosis of malaria was made in 94 cases. The commonest clinical manifestation was fever (in 91 cases; 96.8%), followed by chills (in 57 cases; 60.6%). Interestingly, some unusual presentations such as petechiae, abnormal menstruation, and jaundice were also found.