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Phenotypic Analysis of Rodent Malaria Parasite Asexual and Sexual Blood Stages and Mosquito Stages
08:23

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Paediatric malaria in Greece in the era of global population mobility

Helena C Maltezou1, Maria Tsolia, Ioannis Polymerou

  • 1Department for Interventions in Health-Care Facilities, Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3-5 Agrafon Street, Athens, Greece. helen-maltezou@ath.forthnet.gr

Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|April 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric malaria cases in Greece significantly increased between 2003-2012, primarily affecting children who traveled to malaria-endemic regions. This rise is linked to immigration and visits by friends and relatives (VFRs).

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Malaria poses a significant public health concern globally.
  • Understanding the epidemiological trends of pediatric malaria is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiological shift of pediatric malaria cases in Greece.
  • To identify the primary risk factors and travel patterns associated with pediatric malaria in Greece.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records of children admitted with malaria.
  • Data collection from four tertiary-care hospitals in Greece spanning 1972-2012.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, travel history, and symptom onset.

Main Results:

  • A total of 21 pediatric malaria cases were identified, with a notable increase (20 cases) observed between 2003 and 2012.
  • Over 76% of affected children had traveled to malaria-endemic countries within 50 days prior to symptom onset.
  • Immigration and travel by friends and relatives (VFRs) were the predominant reasons for travel.

Conclusions:

  • A significant epidemiological shift in pediatric malaria has occurred in Greece over the past decade.
  • The increase is predominantly attributed to a rise in immigrant populations and VFR travelers.
  • Public health initiatives should focus on risk assessment and prevention strategies for these demographic groups.

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