Incidence of malaria in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 2000-2011

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, from 2000 to 2011, and provide evidence for the development of appropriate prevention and control measures. Methods Blood tests for fever patients, case surveys in patients with malaria and identification of malaria vectors were conducted respectively. Results A total of 453 malaria cases were reported in Hangzhou during this period. The average annual incidence was 0.22/lakh. Among the reported cases,89(19.65%) occurred in local people,364 were imported from other areas(80.35%).The positive rate of blood tests of fever patients in floating population was significantly higher than that in local residents(2=62.17,P20.01). The cases mainly occurred during June-October of a year, accounting for 82.34% of the total(373/453). The cases were mainly distributed in migrant workers from highly endemic areas or local farmers, accounting for 59.60% of the total(270/453). The surveillance indicated that the major vector was Anopheles sinensis, and its man-biting rate was highest in July. Conclusion It is important to strengthen the malaria surveillance in floating population to eliminate malaria.