A traveller returning from West Africa develops fever 5 days after arrival. His GP performs a malaria RDT which is negative. The GP telephones the loc...

Question

A traveller returning from West Africa develops fever 5 days after arrival. His GP performs a malaria RDT which is negative. The GP telephones the local infectious diseases unit for advice. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Request urgent thick and thin blood films - a negative RDT does not exclude malaria

Answer

Reassure the patient that malaria is excluded and prescribe empirical antibiotics

Answer

Repeat the RDT in 48 hours

Answer

Advise the patient to take paracetamol and attend if symptoms worsen

Answer

Send blood for malaria PCR and await results before further action

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): Malaria RDT Limitations

A traveller returning from West Africa develops fever 5 days after arrival. His GP performs a malaria RDT which is negative. The GP telephones the local infectious diseases unit for advice. What is the most appropriate next step?