Profile and Determinants for Complications of Imported Malaria in 5 Chinese Provinces From 2014 to 2021: Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundIn 2021, the World Health Organization officially declared the People’s Republic of China as malaria-free. However, despite this milestone achievement, the continued occurrence of severe and fatal cases of imported malaria in China, due to globalization and increased international communication, remains a significant public health concern. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria in 5 Chinese provinces from 2014 to 2021 and to identify the factors that influence complications in imported malaria cases. The findings will provide a basis for enhancing prevention and control measures, thereby consolidating China’s achievements in malaria elimination. MethodsA case-based retrospective study was performed, using surveillance data collected from the representative provinces of China from 2014 to 2021. Epidemiological characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing the occurrence of complications. ResultsA total of 5559 malaria cases were included during the study period. The predominant species was Plasmodium falciparumPlasmodium ovalePlasmodium vivaxPlasmodium malariaePlasmodium knowlesiP falciparumP ovalePlasmodiumPPPPP falciparumPPPPP ovalePPPP falciparumP ovale ConclusionsThis study showed that the increasing proportion of P ovale