Malaria Case in Italy Highlights Rising Global Risk

A twelve-year-old student in Italy is seriously ill with malaria after contracting the disease during a recent vacation in Africa. The case, reported on February 27, 2026, underscores the ongoing threat of malaria and the potential for increased risk due to factors like climate change.

Details of the Case

The girl, from the Padua region of Italy, began experiencing a high fever, nausea, and vomiting several days after returning from her trip. She was initially taken to a local hospital in Chioggia on February 22, where doctors quickly recognized the severity of her condition. She was subsequently transferred to the Padua University Hospital, where she was diagnosed with malaria and is currently receiving intensive care. The Italian news agency ANSA reported her condition as critical.

Understanding Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites, known as plasmodia, enter the bloodstream and can cause severe illness and, if left untreated, death. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Malaria in Europe: A Primarily Imported Disease

While Italy has been malaria-free since 1970, cases are primarily imported – meaning they are contracted by travelers returning from endemic areas. Epidemiologist Massimo Ciccozzi of the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, noted that between 2017 and 2023, Italy saw approximately 600 cases annually, almost exclusively linked to travel. Rai News reported on this trend.

Global Malaria Statistics

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2024, there were 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths worldwide. In 2023, there were 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths globally. WHO provides comprehensive data on malaria incidence and mortality.

Climate Change and the Spread of Malaria

Experts are concerned that climate change could lead to the re-establishment of malaria in regions where it has been eliminated, including parts of Europe. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) notes that changing environmental conditions can promote the survival and spread of Anopheles mosquitoes and the transmission of Plasmodium. RKI data shows 934 malaria cases were reported in Germany in 2024, with four fatalities among individuals aged 41-64. Most cases involved visits from friends and relatives, followed by tourism and business travel.

Protecting Yourself from Malaria

When traveling to malaria-risk areas, it is crucial to take preventative measures. This includes consulting with a healthcare professional about appropriate antimalarial medication and taking steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets. Information on health risks and travel advice can be found on the Foreign Office website.

It’s also critical to be aware of other mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, which are transmitted by different species of mosquitoes (Aedes). The WHO estimates that over 5.6 billion people are at risk of infection from these diseases.