Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
P. vivax malaria autochthonous case Greece
Latest update: 24 May 2019
Epidemiological summary
On 15 May, ECDC was informed by the Greek National Public Health Organization about one case of P. vivax malaria diagnosed in the previous week. The patient had onset of symptoms on 26 April 2019. The case had not travelled abroad and no history of blood transfusion. According to the case investigation (focus and reactive case detection), the likely place of infection is considered a village in the regional unit of Trikala, Thessaly Region.
No additional cases of malaria have been identified, although the focus population will be followed for four weeks. Vector investigation in the area did not retrieve Anopheles mosquitoes or larvae. Considering the patient's onset of symptoms (end of April 2019), the results of the entomological investigation (absence of vector) and the climate conditions in the spring of 2019 in this area, it is more likely that the patient was infected during the previous transmission season in 2018 by a P. vivax strain with a long incubation period (temperate strain). Communication activities target both local health professionals and the public to raise awareness. Regional and local authorities were advised about recommended response measures, including the need to intensify vector surveillance and control in the area.
According to Greek public health authorities, 0-42 autochthonous cases of P. vivax malaria have been reported every year from 2009 - 2018. In 2017 and 2018, six and nine P. vivax cases were reported respectively. An additional introduced P. vivax case was reported from the same village in 2015.
Source: Greek National Public Health Organization
ECDC assessment
The report of introduced malaria cases has been observed in the last years in certain southern European countries with malariogenic potential. The occurrence of P. vivax cases in the spring is consistent with infection during the previous season and has been reported in more cases in Greece since 2009. The event is therefore not unexpected. In addition, according to the Greek National Public Health Organization, the likely place of exposure is a rural and not tourist area, with seasonal farmworkers originating from the Indian subcontinent. The likelihood of identifying further cases in the same region is assessed as low as measures were timely implemented. The risk of transmission for the local population and travellers to areas where introduced malaria cases have occurred until now is currently assessed as very low and Greek health authorities advise that chemoprophylaxis for malaria is not recommended for visitors to these areas. Personal protective measures against mosquitoes are encouraged during the mosquito circulation season.
Latest update: 24 May 2019
Epidemiological summary
On 15 May, ECDC was informed by the Greek National Public Health Organization about one case of P. vivax malaria diagnosed in the previous week. The patient had onset of symptoms on 26 April 2019. The case had not travelled abroad and no history of blood transfusion. According to the case investigation (focus and reactive case detection), the likely place of infection is considered a village in the regional unit of Trikala, Thessaly Region.
No additional cases of malaria have been identified, although the focus population will be followed for four weeks. Vector investigation in the area did not retrieve Anopheles mosquitoes or larvae. Considering the patient's onset of symptoms (end of April 2019), the results of the entomological investigation (absence of vector) and the climate conditions in the spring of 2019 in this area, it is more likely that the patient was infected during the previous transmission season in 2018 by a P. vivax strain with a long incubation period (temperate strain). Communication activities target both local health professionals and the public to raise awareness. Regional and local authorities were advised about recommended response measures, including the need to intensify vector surveillance and control in the area.
According to Greek public health authorities, 0-42 autochthonous cases of P. vivax malaria have been reported every year from 2009 - 2018. In 2017 and 2018, six and nine P. vivax cases were reported respectively. An additional introduced P. vivax case was reported from the same village in 2015.
Source: Greek National Public Health Organization
ECDC assessment
The report of introduced malaria cases has been observed in the last years in certain southern European countries with malariogenic potential. The occurrence of P. vivax cases in the spring is consistent with infection during the previous season and has been reported in more cases in Greece since 2009. The event is therefore not unexpected. In addition, according to the Greek National Public Health Organization, the likely place of exposure is a rural and not tourist area, with seasonal farmworkers originating from the Indian subcontinent. The likelihood of identifying further cases in the same region is assessed as low as measures were timely implemented. The risk of transmission for the local population and travellers to areas where introduced malaria cases have occurred until now is currently assessed as very low and Greek health authorities advise that chemoprophylaxis for malaria is not recommended for visitors to these areas. Personal protective measures against mosquitoes are encouraged during the mosquito circulation season.