Diagnosis of imported malaria cases in Zhejiang, 2012-2019.

Objective To analyze diagnosis of imported malaria in Zhejiang Province duiring 2012-2019, to prevent transmission after elimination of malaria, we provide the foundation for malaria prevention and control. Methods Malaria case information, epidemiological investigation data on imported malaria cases in Zhejiang Province from 2012 to 2019 were collected through Parasitosis Prevention and Control Information System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System (CISDCP). The diagnostic methods, diagnostic institutions and onset - diagnosis time of imported malaria cases were described and analyzed. Results A total of 1 543 malaria cases were reported in Zhejiang Province during 2012-2019, and all of which were imported. Majority of the cases were Plasmodium falciparum (71.2%). The utilization rate of RDT increased from 62.86% (88/140) in 2012 to 88.76% (158/178) in 2019. The rate of diagnosis in CDC decreased from 35.7% (50/140) in 2012 to 9.6% (17/178) in 2019 (P<0.05), while that in medical institutions increased from 55% (77/140) in 2012 to 88.2% (157/178) in 2019. And the diagnosis rate of county-level medical institutions was statistically significant from 2012 to 2019 (P< 0.05). The median time from onset to initial diagnosis and from initial diagnosis to confirmation of malaria cases was 1 day, respectively. The time interval from initial diagnosis to confirmation was statistically different in each year (P<0.001). The interval from initial diagnosis to confirmation of Plasmodium falciparum was shorter than that of other species (P<0.001). The interval from onset to initial diagnosis of the institutions below county-level was shorter than that of the institutions at other levels (P<0.001). Conclusions The diagnostic awareness and capabilities of medical institutions should be further strengthened, and health education should be strengthened to increase awareness of medical treatment, to prevent retransmission of imported malaria after elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]