What is Suitcase Malaria (Odyssean Malaria)? What are the symptoms?

Suitcase malaria (Odyssean Malaria) is a rare type of malaria that can be transmitted without direct contact with mosquitoes. This disease usually occurs in areas where malaria is not common. The source of the disease is generally associated with malaria-carrying mosquitoes entering transportation vehicles such as luggage, vehicles or airplanes and being transported to different regions. This may cause the disease to spread even in countries where malaria does not occur naturally. The name suitcase malaria is based precisely on this travel-associated mechanism of transmission.

What is Suitcase Malaria (Odyssean Malaria)?

Suitcase malaria has a different mode of transmission than classical malaria. This difference is due to the fact that it is a type of malaria that is also seen in non-endemic regions. It gets its name from the fact that the mosquitoes that carry the disease are transported to new regions by traveling long distances in suitcases, vehicles or other transportation methods. The disease can occur even in places where malaria is not normally seen. In cases where mosquitoes do not directly transmit malaria, travel especially serves as a bridge for the spread of the disease.

The most important feature of the disease is that it can be seen even in people who do not come into direct contact with mosquitoes in tropical or subtropical regions, which are common malaria transmission routes. This disease occurs most often in tourists, business travelers, or those returning from malaria-endemic areas. Additionally, cases of suitcase malaria can often lead to healthcare workers being unprepared for such cases in places where malaria is not normally found. Therefore, it is of great importance to carefully monitor malaria symptoms in people with a travel history.

How Is Suitcase Malaria Transmitted?

It occurs as a result of mosquitoes being transported to different regions via transport vehicles without coming into direct contact with humans. This type of malaria is transmitted through mosquitoes that enter the belongings or luggage of people traveling to other regions, especially from regions where malaria is common. People living in areas where malaria does not normally occur may be at risk of disease spread by these methods of transportation. Suitcase malaria, unlike the transmission route of classical malaria, occurs in people infected by a malaria-carrying mosquito carried from an endemic area.

It usually occurs after international travel. For example, when a person returns from an area where a malaria-carrying mosquito is present, he may have unknowingly carried the mosquito in his luggage or other belongings. Large passenger transport areas such as airports, ports and bus terminals can spread mosquitoes over a wide geography. Suitcase malaria can be transmitted in the following ways:

• Malaria-carrying mosquitoes enter transportation vehicles such as planes, ships, trains and buses and are transported to different regions through these vehicles.
• During travel, mosquitoes can get into people’s suitcases, bags or clothes and be transported to different countries.
• Large international airports, seaports or transit centers provide a suitable environment for mosquitoes to enter people’s bags or suitcases and carry the disease to other regions.
• Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are more common in tropical regions, but can withstand different climatic conditions through their means of transport. It can continue to survive even in places where malaria is not endemic.

What are the symptoms of suitcase malaria?

It shows symptoms similar to classical types of malaria. These symptoms usually appear a few days to a few weeks after infection. Symptoms that begin with the parasite multiplying in the body may become more serious over time. However, the fact that the disease can be transmitted not only through mosquito bites but also during travel can make it difficult to determine the source of the symptoms. The symptoms of suitcase malaria are as follows:

• High fever: It usually starts with a sudden and persistent fever. The fever may last for several days and may continue sporadically.
• Tremors and Sweating: Attacks of intense shivering followed by excessive sweating are common symptoms of malaria infection.
• Headache: Severe headaches are one of the early signs of infection. Pain usually occurs with fever.
• Muscle and Joint Pains: Muscle and joint pain can occur in many parts of the body.
• Fatigue and Weakness: As the infection wears down the body, the patient may feel extreme fatigue and weakness. This makes daily activities difficult.
• Nausea and Vomiting: In some patients nausea and vomiting may occur.

These symptoms can be confused with other diseases. Especially people who have just returned from a region where malaria is common should consult a physician when they experience these symptoms.

How to Prevent Suitcase Fever?

Travelers to areas where malaria is endemic should take precautions to avoid carrying disease-carrying mosquitoes. It is important to learn about the area before traveling, especially to places where malaria is common. Obtaining information about which regions are at risk of malaria and receiving guidance on preventive measures increases travel safety. You should also be careful when traveling in malaria-prone areas to prevent mosquitoes from entering your luggage, bags or other belongings. After the trip, check your luggage and belongings thoroughly and, if necessary, air them outside for a while.

carrying malaria protection from mosquito bites It is an effective method to use mosquito repellent sprays, long-sleeved clothes and mosquito nets. It is important to take these precautions, especially when staying in tropical and subtropical regions. These measures can help you protect your individual health and prevent the spread of the disease.

How Is Suitcase Malaria Diagnosed?

The disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in areas where the disease is not common. Since the symptoms are the same as classical malaria, the travel history and exposure risk of those experiencing symptoms are carefully evaluated to make the correct diagnosis. In the first stage, the doctor asks whether you have recently traveled to an area where malaria is common. Travel history is an important clue for diagnosing suitcase malaria. Then, clinical symptoms are evaluated. If classic symptoms of malaria such as high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches appear, a clinical examination is performed to distinguish it from other infectious diseases.

How to Treat Suitcase Malaria?

Medicines recommended by the doctor are used in the treatment of suitcase malaria. In severe cases, patients may be observed in the hospital and require intensive care treatment. It may be life-threatening for the patient, especially if complications such as severe anemia, kidney failure or respiratory problems caused by parasites occur.

Depending on the course of the disease, patients may receive supportive treatment. This treatment includes methods such as fluid replacement, maintaining electrolyte balance, and controlling fever that develops due to infection. Additionally, vitamin and mineral support can be provided to strengthen the patient’s immune system. Early diagnosis is very important for the treatment of suitcase malaria. When treatment is started on time, the risk of serious complications from malaria is reduced. With appropriate treatment, patients can fully recover.

Is Suitcase Malaria Existent in Turkey?

Suitcase malaria is rarely seen in Turkey. However, with the increase in international travel, the probability of encountering such cases may increase. Malaria cases in Turkey are not usually caused by domestic mosquitoes. It is spread by mosquitoes that come from abroad and carry malaria or by people with this disease.

In Which Countries Has Suitcase Malaria Been Occurred?

Such cases have been detected especially in countries where international air transportation is intense. Such cases often occur in developed countries where malaria-carrying mosquitoes are accidentally introduced. Countries where suitcase malaria is seen can be listed as follows:

• England: A few cases of suitcase malaria have been identified, particularly among air travelers from Africa and Asia.
• United States: Although rare, cases of suitcase malaria have been reported in big cities where international travel is intense.
• Spain: Cases of suitcase malaria have been encountered from time to time due to tourists and business travelers coming from tropical regions.
• Switzerland: A few cases of luggage malaria have been recorded in travelers from Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Australia: Cases have been reported among travelers, particularly from Africa, due to long-haul flights.

This disease occurs in countries where international travel and trade is intense. These cases show that mosquitoes can spread to different countries as a result of being transported by travel vehicles.