Revised case definitions under NVBDCP classify a case as 'severe malaria' if Plasmodium falciparum infection is accompanied by any ONE of the following criteria EXCEPT:
- A A single fever episode exceeding 40°C ✓
- B Impaired consciousness or coma
- C Haemoglobin < 7 g/dL
- D Parasitaemia ≥ 5% of red blood cells
Correct answer: A. A single fever episode exceeding 40°C
Explanation
WHO/NVBDCP criteria for severe P. falciparum malaria include: impaired consciousness/coma (cerebral malaria), severe anaemia (Hb<7 g/dL), high parasitaemia (≥5% parasitised RBCs), respiratory distress, prostration, hypoglycaemia, circulatory collapse, abnormal bleeding, jaundice + organ dysfunction, haemoglobinuria, and renal impairment. A single fever episode of 40°C is common in uncomplicated malaria and is NOT a criterion for severe malaria in isolation. High fever alone does not define severity.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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