Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in Henan Province in 2011, and provide scientific basis for the control of imported malaria.
Methods: Data of imported malaria were collected and analyzed by SPSS11.5 in 2011.
Results: 145 imported malaria cases were reported. Among them, 110 (75.9%) were falciparum malaria, 31 (21.4%) were vivax malaria, 3 (2.1%) were quartan malaria, and 1 (0.7%) was ovale malaria. The ratio of males to females was 47.3:1 (142/3). The average age was (37.7 +/- 9.4) years old. 113 patients returned from Africa, accounted for 77.9% of the total. The main reason for going abroad among the cases was labor export (82.8%, 120/145). The cases were reported every month. The median interval from symptom appearing to diagnosis was 4 d, only 19 patients (13.1%) were diagnosed within 24 h. Eighty-six cases (63.2%) were reported by municipal medical units and CDC. Forty cases (29.4%) were reported by county level medical units and CDC. A total of 143 cases recovered with chemotherapy and two cases died.
Conclusion: In order to avoid the death of malaria cases and reduce the risk of secondary transmission, malaria screening and health education for those returned from malaria-endemic areas should be strengthened and the diagnosis and treatment capabilities be improved at county medical units.