Epidemiological analysis on malaria incidence in Zhejiang,2010-2013

Objective To understand the incidence pattern of malaria in Zhejiang province from 2010 to 2013,and provide a scientific evidence for malaria elimination. Methods The incidence data of malaria in Zhejiang from 2010 to 2013 were collected from national disease reporting information system and epidemiological investigation. Results A total of 603 malaria cases were reported, including 200 vivax malaria cases, 395 falciparum malaria cases, 6 ovale malaria cases, 1 quartan malaria case and 1 mixed infection case. Among the reported cases, 10 (1.66%) occurred in local people (1.66%), 593 (98.34%) were imported cases, and no local malaria case has been found since 2012. Malaria cases were reported every month, and the case number during May-October was not significantly different from that in other months (2 =3.254,P=0.354). The cases mainly distributed in Jinhua, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Lishui and Ningbo, the cases in these areas accounted for 76.45% of the total (461/603). Most cases were 20 to 49 years old, accounting for 80.10% of the total (483/603) and the male to female ratio of the cases was 6.9:1. The infection sources were mainly from malaria endemic regions of Africa and Asia, accounting for 70.98% and 16.92%. Conclusion The local malaria transmission have been controlled in Zhejiang. However, imported malaria becomes a major challenge. It is still necessary to strengthen the malaria surveillance and health education among risk population.