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Malaria after international travel: a GeoSentinel analysis, 2003-2016
Kristina M Angelo1, Michael Libman2, Eric Caumes3
1Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop E03, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA. kangelo@cdc.gov.
Malaria Journal
|July 22, 2017
Summary
Malaria poses a significant risk to international travelers, particularly children and those visiting friends or relatives (VFRs). Improved pre-travel preparation and adherence to malaria prevention are crucial for reducing cases and deaths.
Area of Science:
- Travel Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Global Health
Background:
- Malaria continues to be a significant health concern for international travelers, with over 30,000 annual cases reported.
- Despite advances in malaria control, risk perception and inadequate pre-travel preparation remain key challenges for travelers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of international travelers diagnosed with malaria.
- To identify risk factors and patterns associated with malaria in travelers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized GeoSentinel surveillance network data from January 2003 to July 2016.
- Included 5689 travelers with confirmed malaria diagnoses, excluding those with missing exposure data or unrelated concurrent diagnoses.
- Analyzed data to describe traveler demographics, clinical presentations, and Plasmodium species.
Main Results:
- Over half of the malaria cases (53%) were among visitors to friends and relatives (VFRs), and 83% were exposed in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Children (<18 years) experienced higher hospitalization rates (73%) compared to adults (62%). Plasmodium falciparum was the most common species (76%).
- Severe malaria occurred in 8% of travelers, with 12 deaths reported. Travelers with short trip durations (≤7 days) were more likely to have Plasmodium vivax.
Conclusions:
- Malaria remains a serious threat to international travelers, underscoring the need for targeted preventive strategies.
- Focusing on children and VFRs, improving access to chemoprophylaxis, and enhancing adherence to preventive measures are essential.
