Epidemiological analysis of imported malaria in Zhejiang Province from 2007 to 2016

Abstract

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Zhejiang Province from 2007 to 2016, in order to provide a scientific basis for further improving the level of imported malaria control. Methods Data on malaria cases in Zhejiang Province from 2007 to 2016 were collected through the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP). Descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the imported malaria cases reported (including time distribution, regional distribution and population distribution). Results A total of 1 298 imported malaria cases were reported in Zhejiang Province from 2007 to 2016, including 988 falciparum malaria cases, 237 vivax malaria cases, 45 ovale malaria cases, 12 quartan malaria cases, 7 mixed infection and 9 unclassified cases. Most cases were 20 to 49 years old, accounting for 82.43% (1 070/1 298) of the total and the male to female ratio of the cases was 9.30: 1.00. The main groups of imported malaria cases were labor export staff, accounted for 46.92% (609/1 298); followed by business services, accounted for 38.91% (505/1 298). The cases mainly distributed in Jinhua, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Lishui and Taizhou, which accounted for 75.96% (986/1 298) of the total. Totally 87.21% (1 132/1 298) of cases were imported from Africa, and 12.63% (164/1 298) were from Asian. Imported malaria cases were reported every month in the whole year without seasonal peaks. Conclusion Imported malaria cases in Zhejiang Province are given priority to with labor export and business services, so it is necessary to strengthen monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of imported malaria cases among overseas workers and businessmen from the malaria prevalent areas in Africa and Asian countries. Key words: Malaria; Imported cases; Epidemiological characteristics