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The Epidemiology of Imported Malaria in Taiwan between 2002–2013: The Importance of Sensitive Surveillance and Implications for Pre-Travel Medical Advice

Author

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  • Shou-Chien Chen

    (Department of Family Medicine, Da-Chien General Hospital, Miaoli 350, Taiwan
    General Education Center, Ta Tung University, Taipei 111, Taiwan)

  • Hsiao-Ling Chang

    (Division of Surveillance, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei 104, Taiwan
    School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, National Defense University, Taipei 117, Taiwan)

  • Kow-Tong Chen

    (Department of Occupational Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan
    Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the epidemiology of imported malaria in Taiwan between 2002 and 2013. We analyzed the national data recorded by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC). Malaria cases were diagnosed by blood films, polymerase chain reaction, or rapid diagnostic tests. The risk of re-establishment of malarial transmission in Taiwan was assessed. A total of 229 malaria cases were included in our analysis. All of the cases were imported. One hundred and ninety-two cases (84%) were diagnosed within 13 days of the start of symptoms/signs; 43% of these cases were acquired in Africa and 44% were acquired in Asia. Plasmodium falciparum was responsible for the majority (56%) of these cases. Travel to an endemic area was associated with the acquisition of malaria. The malaria importation rate was 2.36 per 1,000,000 travelers (range 1.20–5.74). The reproductive number under control (R c ) was 0. No endemic transmission of malaria in Taiwan was identified. This study suggests that a vigilant surveillance system, vector-control efforts, case management, and an educational approach focused on travelers and immigrants who visit malaria endemic countries are needed to prevent outbreaks and sustain the elimination of malaria in Taiwan.

Suggested Citation

  • Shou-Chien Chen & Hsiao-Ling Chang & Kow-Tong Chen, 2014. "The Epidemiology of Imported Malaria in Taiwan between 2002–2013: The Importance of Sensitive Surveillance and Implications for Pre-Travel Medical Advice," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:6:p:5651-5664:d:36518
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hsi, H.C. & Chen, A.L.-T., 2009. "Indoor residual spraying of DDT for malaria control," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(8), pages 1350-1351.
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    Cited by:

    1. Konstantinos Mitsakakis & Sebastian Hin & Pie Müller & Nadja Wipf & Edward Thomsen & Michael Coleman & Roland Zengerle & John Vontas & Konstantinos Mavridis, 2018. "Converging Human and Malaria Vector Diagnostics with Data Management towards an Integrated Holistic One Health Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-26, February.

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