George Clooney Catches Malaria in Sudan

By Sarah Crow Posted Jan 20th 2011 04:50PM

George Clooney paid a high price for his good deeds in early January, when he came down with malaria while doing humanitarian work in Sudan.

Clooney, who has since recovered from the illness, according to ETOnline, used his experience to showcase the desperate need for improved medical care around the world.

"This illustrates how with proper medication, the most lethal condition in Africa, can be reduced to a bad 10 days instead of a death sentence."

Clooney was visiting the African nation with humanitarian organization Not On Our Watch, which he founded with his 'Ocean's Eleven' co-stars Don Cheadle, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, the film's producer, Jerry Weintraub, and actor David Pressman.

The organization, which seeks to end violence in the war-torn country, "focuses on mass atrocities and gross violations of international human rights. We work in areas where global attention is minimal and the response from the international community remains muted."

The actor, who regularly supports philanthropic causes, including Hurricane Katrina relief and Hope for Haiti Now, was presented with the Humanitarian Award at the 2010 Emmy Awards, but remained modest about his efforts.

"You don't want to be awarded for something you're supposed to be doing," he said.

Watch video of Clooney in Sudan.

Tags: george clooney

Comments

(87)

Thursday 20 January

By kb

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These libs are so funny.... They are the ones that got DEET outlawed worldwide. Soon thereafter... lo and behold... malaria cases spike again in Africa. Hey George, go ask the Sierra Club why there's so much malaria in Africa. Fools.

By MellersMom

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DEET was not banned, and it is widely used as a mosquito repellant as we speak. What you probably MEANT was DDT - which is a poison that was killing off birds and wildlife, hence it's removal from the market. You might want to check your facts FIRST before spouting off your right wing conservative drivel.

By rotten rollin

Hey Mellersmom......you might check YOUR facts before venting your LEFTWING drivel.

The science against DDT was loaded with lies and misdirection.

Silent Spring Suc ked.

Google "Michael Crichton/DDT/Silent Spring/Malaria" and such.

Find out how American environmentalist IDIOTS have caused millions of Malaria deaths in Africa.

Friday 21 January

By DallasSportsPrincess

DDT is also NOT banned across the world. It is banned for agricultural use and IS still being used in some areas for malaria control. LIMITED. If you are trying, so inarticulately, to make the argument for expanded DDT use in malaria stricken countries - like Haiti and the Sudan - you will find allies amongst all political persuasions. I really don't think you care, however. I think you're just interested in bashing 'liberals'.

By Heidi

My husband contracted Malaria following a mission we participated in where we built a school dormatory for girls in West Africa. It was a scary couple of weeks because he was misdiagnosed (in Canada upon his return) but what a relief when they finally realized what he had, and were able to care for him with proper medication and hospitalization in a clean and safe hospital.
There are projects - I know Forest Whitaker oversees one - to try and stamp out malaria by sending money to purchase bug screen tents over the beds of African families. This disease can be a thing of the past, like polio, and at such a small cost. It sounds mean but in a way I'm glad Clooney contracted malaria because it brings a famous face to the disease and ease of treatment. I'm also glad he's ok so he can keep doing what he's doing philanthropically.

By Tina

Why did he not get the proper shots before going to this country? Most people do not go to countrys where these diseases are rampant without protecting themselves. If you want to try so hard to help, keep your self healthy also....just saying

By repugslie4

And what shot would that be? There is no vaccine for malaria.

By al fresco

Is Malaria Madonna's or Beyonce's sister???

By Bill T.

couldn't have happened to a better person....if he was helping the poor and downtrodden here, that wouldn't have happened

By Christine

...because the poor and downtrodden in the U.S. are more deserving....why? Real need knows no nationality, religion, or race.

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Charity begins at home?

Saturday 22 January

By Nick

Too bad he dosen't care for this country as much as he does for Africa, we could use some help here too.

By cc

most hollywierd actors are self absorbed egotistical maniacs...

By Aaron

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Ohhh, he's just another bleeding heart lib trying to feel good about himself. He says, "Oh, look at me, I'm making a difference in the world." Pathetic.

By Tim

There is NO VACCINE for malaria, that is why George didn't get one!!! I lived in south east asia for a year and traveled extensively in malaria ravaged areas. I was advised to take Larium once a week. I got sucked by mosquitoes much more than I would have liked, being from the northeast US. I never came down with malaria, or any other tropical disease. TALK to an international DR with expertise in the area you are traveling to.

DON'T listen to the persons on here who tell you that they are experts. Do the research to find a specialist in your area.

By Ben

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Actually, you are part right and part wrong. There IS a VACCINE for malaria, but it only works on kids.

By What?!

I had enough of Hollywood glamorizing their stars on their humanitarian crusade. They lack the word humbleness. More stardom. More! More! Me! Me! Me hero! Pfffffffffffffffffft!

By lnacorner

So what have you done lately, What, to help your fellow humans?

Right, how dare he care about his fellow human beings.

By Char Cerne

There are pills you take before you go to Africa or countries where malaria is present and every doctor will tell you that. There is a website where one checks to see what is needed to visit certain areas. When I went to South Africa my whole family took malaria pills so I would think George Clooney would know that. Don't get me wrong I love the guy, but no reason to get malaria.

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