Imported Malaria in Qazvin Province, Iran: A Retrospective Study From 2008 to 2023

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where it is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although Iran has made substantial progress in malaria elimination, imported cases continue to pose a threat to these achievements. This retrospective study investigates the epidemiology of imported malaria cases in Qazvin Province, Iran, from 2008 to 2023.

Blood smears were collected from patients referred to health centers and the Vice-Chancellor of Health in Qazvin Province. The samples were stained using Giemsa and examined microscopically for the presence of Plasmodium parasites. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square (χ²) test to evaluate data distribution.

A total of 41 malaria cases were recorded during the study period, with a significant predominance of males (97.56%). The highest prevalence of malaria was observed in the 21-30 age group, accounting for 39.02% of the cases. Among the identified species, Plasmodium vivax was the most prevalent, detected in 87.80% of the cases. Passive malaria cases constituted the majority (95.12%), with trophozoites being the most frequently observed stage of the parasite (43.90%). Afghan nationals represented the largest proportion of cases (73.17%), with a significant number of workers among the affected population (65.85%).

The findings highlight the critical role of migration, particularly among workers from endemic regions, in sustaining imported malaria cases. These results underscore the need for targeted public health interventions focusing on migrant populations to prevent the re-establishment of malaria in areas where it has been eliminated. Enhancing surveillance systems, strengthening border health measures, and raising awareness among at-risk groups are essential steps to address the challenges posed by imported malaria. Maintaining these efforts is vital to sustaining progress toward malaria elimination in Iran and preventing its re-emergence due to imported cases. This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiological patterns of imported malaria, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in regions transitioning toward malaria-free status.