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Published on: July 11, 2025
Imported malaria cases in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Futoshi Higa1, Masao Tateyama, Daisuke Tasato
1Department of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan. fhiga@med.u-ryukyu.ac.jp
Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 23, 2013
Summary
Imported malaria cases in Okinawa, Japan, increased due to global travel. All 23 analyzed cases were successfully treated, highlighting the need for diagnostic tools and antimalarial drugs.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Global transportation increases the risk of imported infectious diseases.
- Imported malaria poses a significant public health challenge in non-endemic regions like Japan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze imported malaria cases in Okinawa Prefecture from 1988 to 2012.
- To understand the types of malaria and patient outcomes.
- To inform public health strategies for managing imported malaria.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 imported malaria cases.
- Data collected from University of the Ryukyus Hospital admissions.
- Identification of Plasmodium species responsible for infections.
Main Results:
- 23 imported malaria cases were identified between 1988 and 2012.
- Plasmodium falciparum (14 cases) and P. vivax (7 cases) were the most common species.
- All patients recovered after antimalarial treatment.
Conclusions:
- Imported malaria is a concern in Okinawa, Japan.
- Effective management requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Collecting patient travel history is crucial for early detection and prevention.
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