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[Malaria incidence and mortality in Germany 1993-1997]
I Schöneberg1, L Apitzsch, G Rasch
1Fachgebiet Datenerhebungen, Epidemiologisches Datenzentrum.
Abstract:
Worldwide incidence of malaria has increased. This may result in an increasing risk for tourists in different areas of the world. Malaria is an important travellers' disease in Germany. Most cases imported to Germany originated from Africa (77%). Plasmodium falciparum caused 67% of all malaria cases. 63% of all cases were Germans, 76% of whom travelled for holidays or study trips. From 1993 to 1996 89 people died from malaria in Germany. Most cases of fatal malaria were reported among German citizens. The case fatality rate increases with age. About 50% of all patients had not undergone sufficient prophylaxis against malaria. Only 22% of the patients who started prophylactic treatment took chemoprophylactics regularly while travelling abroad. Adequate prophylaxis against malaria is the only way to reduce the incidence of imported cases of malaria.
Insights
Malaria risk is rising globally, especially for travelers to Africa. Insufficient malaria prevention, particularly among German tourists, leads to preventable deaths, highlighting the need for better chemoprophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public health
Context:
- Global malaria incidence is increasing, posing a significant risk to international travelers.
- Malaria is a major travel-related illness in Germany, with most imported cases originating from Africa.
- Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant malaria parasite affecting travelers to Germany.
Purpose:
- To analyze imported malaria cases in Germany, focusing on demographics, travel history, and Plasmodium species.
- To assess the effectiveness of malaria prophylaxis among German travelers.
- To evaluate the mortality associated with imported malaria and identify risk factors.
Summary:
- The majority of imported malaria cases in Germany are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, primarily affecting German citizens returning from holidays or study trips in Africa.
- A significant proportion of malaria patients (around 50%) did not adhere to adequate malaria prophylaxis.
- Only 22% of individuals who initiated chemoprophylaxis took it regularly during their travels abroad.
Impact:
- Fatal malaria cases in Germany, particularly among citizens, underscore the critical need for improved malaria prevention strategies.
- The case fatality rate for malaria increases with age, emphasizing the vulnerability of older travelers.
- Implementing and adhering to adequate malaria prophylaxis is essential to reduce the incidence of imported malaria cases and associated mortality.