Uruguayan Navy Evacuates Sick Crew Member with Suspected Malaria from Ship

Two Navy aircraft are en route to perform an urgent medical evacuation of a 67-year-old man from a ship sailing under the Liberian flag. The operation is taking place approximately 110 nautical miles south of Punta del Este, Maldonado, according to Alejandro Pérez, spokesperson for the National Navy.

The crew member is presenting symptoms indicative of malaria. Medical professionals recommended his prompt evacuation and transfer to the Sanatorio Mautone. Based on his passport, the individual is presumed to be a Russian citizen.

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Two aircraft from the Naval Aviation of the National Navy are taking off this Monday to carry out a medical evacuation of a 67-year-old man from a ship flying the flag of Liberia.

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the body, the parasites travel to the liver, where they mature before infecting red blood cells. It is important to note that malaria is not an endemic disease in Uruguay, and neither the disease nor the Anopheles mosquito are found in the country.

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The crew member presents symptoms of malaria, so prompt evacuation and transfer to the Sanatorio Mautone was recommended.