Country-specific recommendations for malaria and schistosomiasis

Country of birth

Schistosomiasis[1]

Malaria[2]

Afghanistan

No

Investigations for malaria should be performed on anyone who has travelled from or through an endemic malaria area within 3 months of arrival if asymptomatic, or within 12 months if symptoms of fever, regardless of any pre-departure malaria testing or treatment.

Malaria endemic areas include Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Thailand and all of Africa.

People who have lived in Malaysia for more than 3 months do not need to be screened for malaria unless they were living in Sarawak or Sabah.

The Middle East is free of malaria.

Bhutan

No

Burundi

Yes

Congo, Dem Rep

Yes

Eritrea

Yes

Ethiopia

Yes

India

No

Iran

No

Iraq

Yes

Kenya

Yes

Malaysia

No

Myanmar

Yes

Nepal

No

Pakistan

No

Sudan

Yes

Syria

Yes

Tanzania

Yes

Thailand

Yes

Tibet

No

Uganda

Yes

[1] http://apps.who.int/neglected_diseases/ntddata/sch/sch.html

The WHO lists Afghanistan as being non-endemic for Schistosomiasis, but some refugee health services have found positive serology in a small number of people from Afghanistan, without definite evidence of infection or sequelae. Hence testing it not generally recommended for those from Afghanistan. However, schistosomiasis should be considered if there is any unexplained microscopic haematuria or clinical or radiological signs of portal hypertension, in any person coming from Africa, Asia or the Middle East

[2] http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.GSWCAH17v?lang=en

Produced by

in consultation with

                  Refugee Health Network of Australia

Endorsed by

Funded by

The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide was produced with funds from the Australian Government Department of Health.

Disclaimer

The information set out in the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide (“the Guide”) is current at the date of first publication and is intended for use as a guide of a general nature only and may or may not be relevant to particular patients or circumstances. Nor is the Guide exhaustive of the subject matter. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in the Guide must exercise their own independent skill or judgement or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular circumstances when so doing. The statements or opinions that are expressed in the Guide reflect the views of the contributing authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the editors or Foundation House. Compliance with any recommendations cannot of itself guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional and the premises from which the health professional operates.

Whilst the information is directed to health professionals possessing appropriate qualifications and skills in ascertaining and discharging their professional (including legal) duties, it is not to be regarded as clinical advice and, in particular, is no substitute for a full examination and consideration of medical history in reaching a diagnosis and treatment based on accepted clinical practices.

Accordingly, Foundation House and its employees and agents shall have no liability (including without limitation liability by reason of negligence) to any users of the information contained in the Guide for any loss or damage (consequential or otherwise), cost or expense incurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on the information contained in the Guide and whether caused by reason of any error, negligent act, omission or misrepresentation in the information. Although every effort has been made to ensure that drug doses and other information are presented accurately in the Guide, the ultimate responsibility rests with the prescribing clinician. For detailed prescribing information or instructions on the use of any product described herein, please consult the prescribing information issued by the manufacturer.