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Autochthonous Plasmodium vivax malaria in Greece, 2011
1Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece. daniscostas@yahoo.com
Summary
Twenty local malaria cases caused by Plasmodium vivax were found in Greece in 2011. This highlights the need for a malaria prevention plan due to local transmission risks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Malaria transmission was thought to be eradicated in Greece.
- Recent cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria in native populations raise concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on a cluster of locally acquired Plasmodium vivax malaria cases in Greece.
- To assess the risk factors and implications for malaria prevention in the region.
Main Methods:
- Case reporting and epidemiological investigation of Plasmodium vivax infections.
- Assessment of environmental and demographic factors in the affected area.
Main Results:
- Twenty cases of Plasmodium vivax infection were reported between May and September 2011.
- Most cases were concentrated in the agricultural area of Evrotas, Lakonia.
- No travel history was reported for the infected individuals.
Conclusions:
- Local transmission of Plasmodium vivax malaria is occurring in Greece.
- The presence of competent mosquito vectors and migrant populations from endemic areas facilitates transmission.
- An integrated preparedness and response plan for malaria prevention is crucial.
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