Israeli Man Hospitalized with Severe Malaria After Zanzibar Trip, Condition Improving

A 25-year-old Israeli man was admitted to the intensive care unit at Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital after contracting malaria during a four-day vacation in Zanzibar. His condition was initially severe, but after intensive treatment, he has shown gradual improvement and continues to recover. The otherwise healthy man began experiencing high fever, chills, shaking, muscle pain, extreme weakness, and jaundice about three weeks after returning to Israel.

Upon seeking medical care, he was diagnosed with malaria and transferred to the ICU for close monitoring and supportive treatment. The patient expressed regret for not seeking pre-travel medical advice and hopes his experience will encourage others to take preventive measures. Dr. Ami Mayo, head of the ICU, noted the patient’s gradual recovery but emphasized the need for continued care until full recovery.

Professor Tal Brosh, head of Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention at Assuta Ashdod, highlighted the importance of medical preparation before traveling to destinations like Zanzibar. He stressed that consulting a travel clinic and starting preventive treatment when indicated can often prevent malaria entirely. Brosh also warned that malaria symptoms may appear weeks after returning and urged travelers to inform doctors about recent travel to malaria-risk areas to expedite diagnosis and save lives.

Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquito bites. Symptoms can emerge days to weeks after infection and include high fever, chills, sweating, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, jaundice, and potentially severe organ damage. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, malaria can be life-threatening. Recent cases of malaria among Israelis returning from Zanzibar have prompted calls for increased public awareness and preventive action.