Hospital-acquired malaria infections in the EU

Between January 2016 and April 2018, six sporadic hospital transmissions of malaria were identified in the EU. While the countries reporting these six cases (Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain) have not observed an increase in the number of sporadic hospital-acquired cases of malaria since January 2016, the concomitant occurrence of these cases in four countries makes the overall event unusual. The mode(s) of transmission have not been determined for any of the cases. Following the occurrence of several hospital-acquired malaria cases in the EU, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the risk related to transmission of the parasite in hospital settings.

This rapid risk assessment presents the context, details investigations into the cases and offers options for prevention and control. It concludes that clinicians and healthcare providers in hospitals should be aware of the possibility of hospital transmission and strictly follow standard precautions for infection prevention and control.

Source: ECDC, 30 April 2018