QUESTION

I had malaria in Papua New Guinea 40 years ago and had many relapses. I had one 11 years ago and was in hospital for 3 weeks. I have been to a massage therapist who used a hand machine giving out pulses rather strong a bit like tiny electric shots could this activate malaria?

ANSWER

The reasons why malaria relapses are not well known. Malaria acquired in different places tends to have different relapse times (faster in the tropics, less frequent in sub-tropical or temperate regions) and there is also some evidence that being bitten again by mosquitoes can trigger relapse. I am not aware of any evidence that electric pulses could trigger relapse, but likewise cannot discount the possibility! On another note, there is medicine that can be taken to prevent further relapse, by killing the dormant liver forms of the malaria parasite. It is called primaquine, and is only effective is taken exactly as prescribed for a 2 week period. Some people with G6DP deficiency may also not be recommended this medicine, so before prescribing it, your doctor should test you for this deficiency.