Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to Plasmodium vivax malaria

Plasmodium Vivax malaria is generally considered as a benign self-limiting illness and is less often associated with more severe disease and complications. Amongst these, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a particularly rare complication. The few cases reported describe the onset of ARDS after initiation of anti-malarial therapy as a post inflammatory response. Here we report the case of a 45 year old male who was a victim of severe Plasmodium vivax malaria culminating into ARDS, prior to the initiation of anti-malarial therapy. He was treated with invasive ventilation and anti-malarial therapy and made a complete and uneventful recovery.