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Epidemiological Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Countermeasures of Imported Malaria - China, 2017-2024
Zhigui Xia1, Tao Zhang2, Weidong Li2
1National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Health Commission Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.
China CDC Weekly
|July 11, 2026
Summary
Imported malaria cases in China, primarily Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, were analyzed. A two-stage strategy is proposed to manage risks from international travel and prevent secondary transmission.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- China faces increasing imported malaria risk due to global epidemics and international travel.
- Understanding the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological features of imported malaria in China.
- To identify transmission risks associated with international population exchanges.
- To propose a prevention and control strategy for outbound personnel.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted using the National Infectious Disease Surveillance Information System.
- Data included patient numbers, Plasmodium species, spatiotemporal patterns, demographics, and infection origins.
Main Results:
- 16,571 imported malaria cases (75 deaths) were reported between 2017-2024, showing a U-shaped temporal trend.
- Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax were dominant species, imported from Africa and Myanmar, respectively.
- Yunnan, Guangdong, and Guangxi were key regions; male overseas laborers aged 30-59 were high-risk. Severe illness and fatality rates remained low.
Conclusions:
- Global malaria and international exchanges heighten importation pressure on China.
- Multisectoral collaboration and enhanced surveillance are vital for preventing severe cases, deaths, and secondary transmission.
- Strengthening targeted surveillance and treatment in post-entry areas is essential to maintain malaria elimination achievements.
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