Dead Filipino seafarer had malaria

The Filipino seafarer who died in Gibraltar after being taken off his ship on Sunday was suffering from malaria.

The development was confirmed by the Gibraltar Government last night, which added that there was no risk to public health.

Malaria is transmitted by a specific type of mosquito and not between persons.

The man’s condition initially sparked concerns that he might be suffering from a contagious disease after it emerged he had travelled on ship from West Africa.

The fact that he was seriously ill was not communicated to the port by the ship’s crew on Sunday, leading to delays in medical care while infection control protocols were put in place.

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