Epidemic situation of malaria in Jiangsu Province in 2019

Abstract

To analyze the epidemic situation of malaria in Jiangsu Province in 2019, so as to provide the scientific basis for the development of the strategy for the prevention of re-introduction of imported malaria. The malaria case report information, epidemiological case investigation information, epidemic foci investigation and management report in Jiangsu Province in 2019 were collected, and all epidemiological data were descriptively analyzed. A total of 244 malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2019, and all cases were laboratory-confirmed overseas imported cases, including 4 cases with vivax malaria, 206 cases with falciparum malaria, 12 cases with malariae malaria and 22 cases with ovale malaria. In 2019, there were 12 malaria cases progressing into severe cases in Jiangsu Province, with one death. Nanjing, Nantong, Lianyungang, Taizhou and Changzhou cities contributed the largest number of malaria cases in 2019, with the number of malaria cases accounting for 59.84% of total cases in Jiangsu Province. The infections occurred in Papua New Guinea (2 cases), Pakistan (1 case) and 27 African countries (241 cases), including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and so on. There were 77 cases (31.55%) with a visit to doctor on the day of onset, and 146 cases (59.84%) within 1 to 3 days after onset. In addition, there were 149 cases (61.06%) with definitive diagnosis at the first visit and 77 cases (31.55%) diagnosed within 1 to 3 days after the visit, and the mean duration from the visit to definitive diagnosis was (0.80 ± 1.59) d, which significantly shortened as compared to that (1.34 d ± 2.59 d) in 2018 (U = 2.53, P < 0.05). Intensifying the surveillance and management of imported malaria and improving the diagnostic capability of imported malaria and the treatment of severe malaria cases are required to consolidate the achievements of malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province.