Malaria in Europe: What is the deadly airport and baggage malaria spreading across Europe? Find out everything about this parasitic disease

The number of deadly diseases caused by mosquitoes transported on planes across Europe has increased, raising concerns. “Suitcase and airport malaria” – also known as Odysseus malaria – has been diagnosed in people returning from holiday.

An international team of scientists identified 145 cases between 2018 and 2022, of which 105 were classified as airport malaria and 32 as baggage malaria, and in eight cases investigators did not distinguish between the two types. More than a third of cases reported since 2000 peaked in 2019, according to results published in the journal last week Euro surveillance.

Experts say Odysseus malaria refers to cases caused by the bite of an infected mosquito transported by plane, luggage or package from an area where malaria has been found.

Most cases were found in France

According to the study, most malaria cases were reported at airports in France, Belgium and Germany. Patients often worked or lived near an international airport, with men disproportionately affected.

Although malaria was eradicated in Western Europe about 50 years ago, the research shows locally acquired infections are still being discovered, including those transmitted by a local mosquito after it bites an infected returning traveler, leading to cases linked to others Transmission routes such as mother-to-child transmission and now Odysseus malaria are related.

To combat the risk of Odyssey malaria, researchers have advised strict enforcement of aircraft disinfection, in line with World Health Organization guidelines. To improve treatment, they also recommended that doctors consider the possibility of locally acquired malaria early in patients with unexplained fever, even in the absence of a travel history.

At least Nine patients died of Odysseus malaria

Scientists said of 133 cases with a known outcome, 124 patients have recovered and nine have died. Most of those infected were in their late 30s and those who died were in their 50s.

A separate analysis of surveillance and case investigation data found that 117 locally acquired malaria cases were reported in France between 1995 and 2022. Half of those affected were born in a country in Africa where malaria is common, the other half were born in France.

Malaria cases will become more common as temperatures rise in parts of the world previously unaffected by climate change, experts say. To reduce the risk of contracting malaria, the NHS recommends seeking medical advice before traveling to a country where this mosquito-borne disease is common.