Malaria in Boston: Patient tests negative for Ebola, positive for Malaria

A man admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital Tuesday on suspicion that he was infected with Ebola has initially tested negative for the disease, though the hospital Wednesday announced he has tested positive for malaria.

It is too early for health officials to definitively say whether the man is clear of Ebola, as additional tests may be conducted.

Dr. David Hooper, chief of the infection control unit at Mass. General said at a press briefing Wednesday afternoon that the patient, who was not identified, had worked in an administrative capacity in Liberia within the past three weeks. In recent months, West Africa has experienced its worst outbreak of Ebola.

“He received treatment last night for malaria” said Hooper. “That’s beginning. And we will continue to monitor him, and additional testing, if necessary, will be done to make sure that Ebola is not also present.”

Boston’s had 14 reported cases of malaria this year, the Boston Public Health Commission said. Thirty-six malaria cases were reported between 2011 and 2013.

Malaria, caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito, can be fatal if not treated. It’s symptoms can resemble the preliminary symptoms of Ebola, including fevers, chills and aching joints.

The unidentified patient may be released as early as Wednesday, Hooper said.

The patient is being kept in an isolated area of the hospital designed as part of its Ebola preparedness plan.

Hooper said the treatment area would keep healthcare workers safe as they await the results of further ebola testing. The likelihood of the man transmitting malaria is “virtually zero,” he said.

Hooper declined to say whether the man was an American citizen, and did not release further details about his identity.

Malaria at a glance

Malaria is most often transmitted through mosquito bites.

Effects can range from fever to death. About 1,500 reported cases of malaria in the United States every year. The disease has caused about 627,000 deaths around the world (out of about 207 million reported episodes).