Asymptomatic Only at First Sight: Malaria Infection Among Schoolchildren in Highland Rwanda

Researchers assessed malaria infection and its health consequences among schoolchildren in Rwanda. While the vast majority of children were asymptomatic at examination, almost a quarter were diagnosed with malaria infection and 41% of these cases were submicroscopic. Malaria infections were associated with negative health outcomes, including but not limited to anemia, fever, underweight, and clinical malnutrition. These results indicate there is a need for improved malaria surveillance and interventions for this population.