Zoonotic malaria a new serious threat

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is facing a new serious threat in the form of zoonotic malaria infections.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said zoonotic malaria infections in the country had increased drastically from 376 cases in 2008 to 3,575 in 2021, and emerged as the leading cause of malaria deaths since 2017.

“Zoonotic malaria is caused by the plasmodium knowlesi parasite and it is transmitted between animals (apes/macaques) and humans through mosquito vectors.

“In contrast to human malaria, the spread of zoonotic malaria infections frequently occurs outdoors,” he said in conjunction with the national Malaria

Day celebrations yesterday.

Khairy said the increase in cases was due to aggressive land clearing for farming, which increased human-animal exposure. Animals are the natural hosts for zoonotic malaria.

“Currently, existing malaria treatments are effective for zoonotic malaria. The challenge facing the Health Ministry is tackling the infections as we lack effective vector control methods to curb transmission outside the home.

“Those with fever, have entered an area at risk, or have just returned from malaria-endemic countries, should seek immediate treatment at health facilities. Workers in plantation and forestry sectors need to undergo regular malaria screening.”

Meanwhile, Khairy said Malaysia achieved a record of zero indigenous human malaria cases for four consecutive years from 2018 to 2021.

He attributed the success to the ministry’s strategies and innovations, including the use of Artemisinin Combination Therapy, residual insecticide spraying, and the use of medicated mosquito nets.

However, Khairy said Malaysia is still exposed to the risk of human malaria infections among newly arrived foreign workers, as the country reported 111 imported human malaria cases last year.

“To address this threat, the ministry has begun screenings for malaria at selected entry points and mapping areas, as well as implementing preventive interventions, including vector-control activities.

“The ministry has also identified risky sectors such as plantations and forestry to focus on the implementation of malaria surveillance activities,” he said.

The theme of the World Malaria Day celebration this year is “Harness Innovation to Reduce the Malaria Disease Burden and Save Lives”. It is celebrated each year on April 25 in recognition of the global efforts in controlling malaria.