The National Public Health Institute, KTL, says all of those infected are carrying the falciparum malaria parasite.
None of the malaria patients used anti-malarial drugs during their trips that were effective enough to guard against the falciparum parasite. Heliopar (chloroquine) does not offer sufficient protection against the malaria strains present in tropical Africa, says the KTL. Instead, the institute urges travellers to malaria risk areas to either take mefloquine or doxycycline or a combination of atovaquone and proguanil.
"It's important to guard against mosquito bites even when taking anti-malarial drugs," says Heli Siikamäki, a doctor at the infectious diseases division at Helsinki University Hospital.
Crucial to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Siikamäki stresses the importance of heading straight to the doctor's office if returning home from a malaria region with a fever and flu-like symptoms. Malaria can be diagnosed at any health centre from a finger-prick blood sample.
"The disease is completely curable if treatment is sought in time," says Siikamäki.
Siikamäki says westerners travelling to tropical countries are more susceptible to falling ill with malaria than locals. People living in malaria-endemic regions have immunity to malaria because of natural exposure.
If left untreated over a prolonged time, malaria can lead to death. Severe cases of falciparum malaria can affect the brain. This is known as cerebral malaria. Other serious complications include breathing problems and kidney failure.
Ten years ago malaria claimed the lives of two Finns.
