[Malaria: an Issue of Public Health]

The Authors have analyzed the epidemiological situation in Italy as regards malarial infections during the years 1960-1999. They paid special attention to the risk of malaria importation connected with an increased number of intercontinental journeys. The possibility of its reintroduction was assessed through the analysis of environmental and climatic factors on the Anopheles populations still living on our territory. Other infectious factors have also been analyzed (e. g. blood-transfusion). The authors suggest potential strategies for individual and environmental prevention and stress the need for better information activities.