Imported and indigenous Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum malaria in the Hubei Province of China, 2005–2019
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Published:2023-11-06
Issue:1
Volume:22
Page:
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ISSN:1475-2875
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Container-title:Malaria Journal
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Malar J
Author:
Wu Dongni,Zhu Hong,Wan Lun,Zhang Juan,Lin Wen,Sun Lingcong,Zhang Huaxun,Liu Si,Cleary Eimear,Tatem Andrew J.,Xia Jing,Lai Shengjie
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The Hubei Province in China reported its last indigenous malaria case in September 2012, but imported malaria cases, particularly those related to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, threaten Hubei’s malaria-free status. This study investigated the epidemiological changes in P. vivax and P. falciparum malaria in this province to provide scientific evidence for preventing malaria resurgence.
Methods
The prevalence, demographic characteristics, seasonal features, and geographical distribution of malaria were assessed using surveillance data and were compared across three stages: control stage (2005–2009) and elimination stages I (2010–2014) and II (2015–2019).
Results
In 2005–2019, 8483 malaria cases were reported, including 5599 indigenous P. vivax cases, 275 imported P. vivax cases, 866 imported P. falciparum cases, and 1743 other cases. Imported P. falciparum cases accounted for 0.07% of all cases reported in 2005, but increased to 78.81% in 2019. Most imported P. vivax and P. falciparum malaria occurred among males, aged 21–60 years, during elimination stages I and II. The number of regions affected by imported P. falciparum and P. vivax increased markedly in Hubei from the control stage to elimination stage II. Overall, 1125 imported P. vivax and P. falciparum cases were detected from 47 other nations. Eight imported cases were detected from other provinces in China. From the control stage to elimination stage II, the number of cases of malaria imported from African countries increased, and that of cases imported from Southeast Asian countries decreased.
Conclusions
Although Hubei has achieved malaria elimination, it faces challenges in maintaining this status. Hence, imported malaria surveillance need to be strengthened to reduce the risk of malaria re-introduction.
Funder
Nature Science Foundation of Hubei Province
Research Project of the Hubei Provincial Health Commission
Project of Disease Control and Prevention of the Hubei Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission
National Natural Science Fund of China
National Science and Technology Major Project of China
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Parasitology
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