Malaria diagnosis in an emergency department before and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic impacted access to health facilities. Methods We assessed the number of blood smears sampled in the emergency department (ED) among all blood smears performed for malaria in Reims University Hospital before and after 2020. Results We showed a decrease in the number of blood smears performed after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but only in 2020. The seasonal increase of cases during summer was preserved. All blood smears positive for malaria in 2020 were sampled in the ED. Conclusions The ED played a key role in the diagnosis of malaria with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Automated summary

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in the number of blood smears performed for malaria, with the exception of cases in the emergency department in 2020. The emergency department played a critical role in the diagnosis of malaria during this period.