Severe Malaria Due to Imported Plasmodium ovale: A Case Report From New York

Abstract

Malaria is highly prevalent in West and Central Africa. In the United States, most reported cases are due to immigration from endemic regions. Severe malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale is rare. This case report details a young, previously healthy male traveler from North Central Africa who presented to the emergency department with septic shock, later diagnosed as P. ovale malaria. This report aims to raise awareness among healthcare workers about the potential for P. ovale to cause severe malaria and to emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: : malaria; endemic malaria; hypnozoite; imported malaria; malaria treatment; medical intensive care unit (micu); plasmodium ovale; primaquine; septic shock [ss]; travel history.

Figure 1. Picture of Ventral side of Right Foot

There is a pigmented rash scattered across the sole of the right foot.

Figure 2. CT scan of the chest

This image shows interstitial edema in both lungs and bilateral pleural effusions.

Figure 3. CT scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis

This image depicts slight ascites, periportal edema in the liver, pericholecystic edema, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly.

Figure 4. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis

This image depicts generalized edema, slight ascites, periportal edema in the liver, pericholecystic edema, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly.