Reemergence of Malaria in Korea.
10.5124/jkma.2007.50.11.959
- Author:
Weon Gyu KHO
1
Author Information
1. Department of Parasitology, Inje University College of Medicine, Korea. wgkho@inje.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Malaria;
Korea;
Reemergence;
Epidemiology;
Clinical Feature
- MeSH:
Anopheles;
Cooperative Behavior;
Democratic People's Republic of Korea;
Epidemiology;
Humans;
Incidence;
Korea*;
Malaria*;
Malaria, Vivax;
Thrombocytopenia
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2007;50(11):959-966
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Malaria is one of the most important tropical diseases but also occurring in many temperate regions. After more than 10 years' absence, vivax malaria reemerged in Korea in 1993. The annual occurrence has been increased rapidly, reaching 4,142 cases in 2000. It started to decrease and fell to 826 cases in 2004. Recently, however, the incidence tends to increase. Anopheles sinensis is the major vector of malaria in Korea, and its vectorial capacity is low. This endemic occurred in the northern part of South Korea near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The patients suffered from the typical illness of vivax malaria. It is noteworthy that thrombocytopenia occurred in more than 70% of the patients. It is believed that the malaria is properly diagnosed and treated over the nation along the accumulation of experience. To control the disease, more elaborated programs should be conducted in collaboration with North Korea.
