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[Malaria in Switzerland: 1982-1986]
P A Raeber1, N Billo, B Somaini
1Office fédéral de la santé publique, Berne.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|September 10, 1988
Summary
Malaria cases imported into Switzerland have not decreased, with most cases linked to travel in Africa. Incomplete reporting and slow adoption of preventive measures highlight the need for vigilance against drug-resistant malaria.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Tropical Medicine
- Public Health Surveillance
Context:
- Malaria remains a significant concern for non-endemic countries through imported cases.
- Switzerland has observed a consistent number of malaria cases, primarily affecting returning travelers.
- Data from 1982-1986 indicates underreporting, with 841 cases documented by the Federal Office of Public Health.
Purpose:
- To analyze trends in imported malaria cases in Switzerland.
- To identify the primary sources and risk factors associated with these cases.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current malaria prophylaxis recommendations and reporting systems.
Summary:
- A review of 841 reported malaria cases in Switzerland (1982-1986) revealed no decrease, with most cases involving Swiss travelers returning from tropical/subtropical Africa.
- Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species (54%), frequently linked to travel in Kenya.
- Inquiry into prophylaxis showed slow adoption of updated guidelines and underscored the importance of monitoring drug-resistant malaria strains.
Impact:
- Highlights the persistent risk of imported malaria in Switzerland and the need for improved traveler education.
- Emphasizes the critical role of systematic surveillance in controlling imported diseases and informing public health interventions.
- Underscores the necessity of adapting preventive strategies to combat the growing threat of antimalarial drug resistance.