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Malaria imported into the United Kingdom during 1991
1PHLS Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Communicable Disease Report. CDR Review
|January 29, 1993
Summary
In 1991, the UK saw 2,332 imported malaria cases, primarily Plasmodium falciparum from sub-Saharan Africa. Most infections occurred in immigrants visiting family, with 11 deaths linked to travel.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Imported malaria poses a public health concern in non-endemic regions.
- Understanding travel-related malaria trends is crucial for prevention and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of imported malaria cases in the United Kingdom in 1991.
- To identify the primary causative agents, geographical origins, and demographic profiles of infected travelers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of imported malaria case data for the UK in 1991.
- Categorization of cases by Plasmodium species, country of infection, and traveler demographics.
Main Results:
- A total of 2,332 malaria cases were imported into the UK in 1991.
- Plasmodium falciparum was the most common species, with 1,268 cases, predominantly contracted in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Over 80% of Plasmodium vivax cases were linked to South Asia.
- Settled immigrants visiting friends and relatives constituted the largest group of infected travelers.
- Eleven of the twelve malaria-related deaths were attributed to Plasmodium falciparum.
Conclusions:
- Imported malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum from sub-Saharan Africa, remains a significant issue in the UK.
- Travel to endemic regions by immigrants visiting family is a major risk factor.
- Targeted public health interventions and traveler education are essential for reducing imported malaria.