Surveillance of malaria in Huzhou, 2004-2010

Objective To understand the epidemic characteristics of malaria in Huzhou from 2004 to 2010 and provide evidence for developing prevention and control strategies. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the collected incidence data. Results Eighty five cases of malaria were reported during this period. The average annual incidence was 0.43/lakh. All the annual incidences were less than 1/lakh, but the incidence in 2007 was highest. The malaria cases mainly occurred during June-October and were mainly distributed in Wuxing district, Deqing and Anji counties. Most cases were migrant workers, farmers and students. Young adults were mostly affected. The etiological detection indicated that most cases were tertian malaria (82, 94.67%), 3 falciparum malaria cases were imported from other areas. Most malaria cases were imported ones (58, 68.24%), and the cases from Anhui accounted for 75.0% (42). Conclusion The incidence level of malaria was low in Huzhou, furthermore it was in decline and most cases were imported from other areas. It is essential to strengthen the management and monitoring of floating population, the control of infection sources and the treatment of relapsing cases for the malaria control in late stage of eradication of malaria.