OBJECTIVE: To discuss epidemiological aspects of imported malaria and the potential impact of imported malaria cases reported in Sri Lanka 2008-2011 in terms of a possible resurgence of the disease. METHODS: The national malaria database was used to assess details regarding country where the infection was possibly acquired, species of Plasmodium, number of days lapsed between disembarkation in Sri Lanka and diagnosis, compliance with national treatment guidelines including percentage of patients followed up as per the national guidelines. RESULTS: After the strengthening of malaria surveillance, during the 4-year period, 152 imported malaria cases were recorded: an increase of 176% in the number of cases. Most of the imported malaria infections were acquired by Sri Lankan Nationals mainly from South Asia, especially India. Plasmodium vivax accounted for 64% of the infections. Approximately 50% of the cases were diagnosed in the Western Province. The average period from disembarkation in Sri Lanka to malaria diagnosis was 3.6 days. Patients were managed and treated according to the national guidelines. 82% of the patients were followed up for 28 days to ensure parasite clearance. CONCLUSIONS: There is a possible increasing risk of re-introduction of malaria to the country from imported cases. Enhanced surveillance activities and the increase in international travel have contributed to an increase in recorded case numbers. There is a need to further strengthen surveillance, especially for monitoring and timely addressing of imported malaria, if the country is to prevent the re-establishment of transmission within. The importance of having an efficient response mechanism to deal with imported malaria is also highlighted.
OBJECTIVE: To discuss epidemiological aspects of imported malaria and the potential impact of imported malaria cases reported in Sri Lanka 2008-2011 in terms of a possible resurgence of the disease. METHODS: The national malaria database was used to assess details regarding country where the infection was possibly acquired, species of Plasmodium, number of days lapsed between disembarkation in Sri Lanka and diagnosis, compliance with national treatment guidelines including percentage of patients followed up as per the national guidelines. RESULTS: After the strengthening of malaria surveillance, during the 4-year period, 152 imported malaria cases were recorded: an increase of 176% in the number of cases. Most of the imported malaria infections were acquired by Sri Lankan Nationals mainly from South Asia, especially India. Plasmodium vivax accounted for 64% of the infections. Approximately 50% of the cases were diagnosed in the Western Province. The average period from disembarkation in Sri Lanka to malaria diagnosis was 3.6 days. Patients were managed and treated according to the national guidelines. 82% of the patients were followed up for 28 days to ensure parasite clearance. CONCLUSIONS: There is a possible increasing risk of re-introduction of malaria to the country from imported cases. Enhanced surveillance activities and the increase in international travel have contributed to an increase in recorded case numbers. There is a need to further strengthen surveillance, especially for monitoring and timely addressing of imported malaria, if the country is to prevent the re-establishment of transmission within. The importance of having an efficient response mechanism to deal with imported malaria is also highlighted.
Authors: Priscila T Rodrigues; João Marcelo P Alves; Ana María Santamaria; José E Calzada; Maniphet Xayavong; Monica Parise; Alexandre J da Silva; Marcelo U Ferreira Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2014-03-17 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Hugh J W Sturrock; Kathryn W Roberts; Jennifer Wegbreit; Colin Ohrt; Roly D Gosling Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2015-05-26 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: María Eugenia Castellanos; Sheilee Díaz; Emily Parsons; Leonard F Peruski; Fabiola Enríquez; Juan Luis Ramírez; Norma Padilla Journal: Mil Med Res Date: 2015-02-15
Authors: Priyani Dharmawardena; Risintha G Premaratne; W M Kumudunayana T de A W Gunasekera; Mihirini Hewawitarane; Kamini Mendis; Deepika Fernando Journal: Malar J Date: 2015-04-24 Impact factor: 2.979
Authors: Mar Velarde-Rodríguez; Rafael Van den Bergh; Cristin Fergus; Aina Casellas; Sergi Sanz; Richard Cibulskis; Andrew R Ramsay; Karen Bissell; Rony Zachariah Journal: Glob Health Action Date: 2015-10-07 Impact factor: 2.640