To test the hypothesis that localised release of matrix metallopeptidase 8 (MMP8) within the retina is implicated in microvascular leak in cerebral malaria (CM), we examined its expression and association with extravascular fibrinogen leak in a case‐control study of post‐mortem retinal samples from 13 Malawian children. Here, MMP8 is linked to cutaneous mastocytosis.