Epidemiological analysis on imported malaria in Tai'an, 2015–2019

  Objective  To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases in Tai'an, Shandong province, from 2015 to 2019 for the prevention and control of malaria.

  Methods  The incidence data malaria were collected through the Information Management System for Infectious Diseases Report of China and Parasitic Diseases Control and Prevention System, The surveillance and reported data of imported malaria were analyzed statistically.

  Results  From 2015 to 2019, a total of 122 cases of imported malaria were reported in Tai'an, including 85 cases of falciparum malaria (69.67%, 85/122), 12 cases of vivax malaria (9.84%, 12/122). The disease onset showed no significant seasonal variations. Most imported malaria cases were distributed in age group 40–49 years (45.08%, 55/122). The diagnosis rate on the onset day was 35.25% (43/122). The imported malaria cases were mainly reported in three districts (90.16%, 110/112). The source countries mainly were in Africa and Asia (Pakistan).

  Conclusion  The imported malaria cases in Tai'an had obvious area, type and source country specific distribution characteristics. Continued efforts are needed to strengthen the surveillance and management of imported malaria cases from some key countries to consolidate the achievement in malaria elimination.