12-Year-Old Critically Ill with Malaria After Africa Trip – Italy Alert
A twelve-year-old girl is seriously ill in hospital in Italy after contracting malaria following a recent family vacation to Africa. Her condition is currently critical, prompting her transfer to Padua University Hospital for specialized care.
The girl, a resident of Chioggia, Italy, began experiencing a high fever, nausea, and vomiting several days after returning home on February 22nd. She was initially seen at the local hospital in Chioggia, where doctors quickly suspected malaria given her recent travel history and symptoms. Due to the severity of her condition, she was transferred to Padua on Monday evening for more intensive treatment.
Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites enter the bloodstream and can cause severe illness, even death, if left untreated. The disease is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Africa.
While malaria is not endemic to Italy, cases are typically imported by travelers returning from affected areas. Epidemiologist Massimo Ciccozzi, from the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, noted that between 2017 and 2023, Italy saw approximately 600 imported cases annually. He emphasized that Italy has been malaria-free since 1970, and all reported cases are linked to travel.
The case of this young girl highlights the importance of preventative measures when traveling to malaria-risk areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2024, there were 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths globally. In 2023, there were 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths worldwide.
The increasing impact of climate change is also raising concerns about the potential for malaria to spread to new regions. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) notes that changing environmental conditions may create more favorable habitats for Anopheles mosquitoes in Europe, potentially increasing the risk of both imported and locally transmitted cases.
The RKI reported 934 malaria cases in Germany in 2024 (as of November 27, 2025). The majority of these cases involved individuals who had been visiting friends and relatives in malaria-endemic countries, followed by tourists and those traveling for work.
Before traveling to areas where malaria is present, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional about appropriate preventative measures. These may include antimalarial medication, mosquito repellent, and protective clothing. The Italian news agency ANSA reported that the girl received initial malaria therapy at Chioggia hospital before being transferred to Padua.
While the case of this 12-year-old girl is concerning, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing global threat posed by malaria and the importance of taking precautions when traveling to affected regions. The Foreign Office provides information on health risks associated with travel to various countries, which can be found on their website.
Other mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, also pose a threat in certain parts of the world. The WHO estimates that more than 5.6 billion people are at risk of infection from these diseases.