Second hospital to test for malaria
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.About 350 patients at a hospital in Plymouth are being contacted to warn them they are at risk of having malaria.
Derriford Hospital said yesterday it had identified a group of recent orthopaedic patients who could have the disease. The Independent revealed last week that a patient at Bedford Hospital had contracted malaria, prompting the recall of 200 people for blood tests. Derriford Hospital would not say whether there was a link with the Bedford case.
Dr Jim Greig, in charge of infection control at Derriford, said: "The risk to patients is very small ... We are informing people as a precautionary measure. There is no longer any potential risk to patients at Derriford Hospital."
Dr Sarah Harrison, consultant in disease control at the South and West Devon Health Authority, said: "People should not be overly concerned. If you have been an orthopaedic inpatient in Derriford during January and suffer from a fever, please contact your doctor explaining why you are worried."
Symptoms of malaria include flu-like illness, headache, muscle aches and tiredness.
Bedford Hospital wants to test patients from as far back as December to find out whether a patient or a member of staff passed on the blood-borne parasite that causes the illness. It is thought unlikely to have been transmitted by a mosquito.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments