The Commonness of Rarity

Malaria is the most frequent tropical disease in developing nations. Among the four types of malaria, P. falciparum malaria is the most severe, as it affects multiple systems. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndromes (ARDS) is the most severe respiratory complication commonly associated with P. falciparum but very rarely with P. vivax. Here, we present an interesting case report pertaining to young patient (Male/25 years/no co-morbidities) presented with severe breathlessness, diagnosed as ARDS post P. vivax malaria complicated by secondary bacterial infection achieving complete recovery with the combined holistic approach of early mechanical ventilation support, prone positioning, antibiotic titration, physiotherapy and good nutrition. This case reinstates the importance of early recognition of ARDS, clinical suspicion for secondary infection and implication of prone position ventilation and other recruitment manoeuvres (RM).