Blackwater fever, a rare but alarming complication of malaria, is increasingly affecting children in rural Uganda, including young Babirye Zainab, who has experienced repeated episodes. Researchers, including Prof Kathryn Maitland, have observed that this condition, once predominantly noted in European expatriates, has seen a resurgence over the last seven years. They suspect the increased prevalence may be linked to the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies. Blackwater fever can lead to severe health complications, requiring blood transfusions and causing significant public health challenges within affected communities.
Historically, blackwater fever was seen among European expatriates who took small doses of quinine as an antimalarial, and became less common when other drugs took over.
Zainab is part of a medical riddle affecting rural Uganda. She has blackwater fever, a rare but increasing complication of malaria that researchers are trying to explain.
Prof Kathryn Maitland noted that high numbers of children in eastern Uganda with blackwater fever have been seen almost a decade ago, signaling a worrying trend.
Once they've had one episode of blackwater fever, children tend to get it again and again, presenting significant public health concerns.
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