Status of Vivax Malaria in the Republic of Korea in 2001.
- Author:
Seung Ho RYU
1
;
Won Ja LEE
;
Young A KIM
;
Jong Yil CHAI
;
Jae Won PARK
Author Information
1. Center for Health Promotion, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Vivax malaria;
Republic of Korea;
2001
- MeSH:
Humans;
Incidence;
Malaria;
Malaria, Vivax*;
Military Personnel;
Prevalence;
Republic of Korea*;
United Nations;
Veterans
- From:Korean Journal of Infectious Diseases
2002;34(5):267-275
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Since 1997, the annual case occurrence of vivax malaria in the Republic of Korea (ROK) has exceeded 1,000 cases. The military is thought to be an important source of the current outbreak. We collected various informations about malaria cases (soldiers, veterans and civilians) that occurred in 2001, and analyzed the characteristics of the current outbreak. METHODS: Informations about malaria cases of soldiers, veterans and civilians, including the name, age, sex, day of onset, region, etc., were collected through the National Institute of Health. RESULTS: Out of a total of 2,534 cases, 672 (26.5%) occurred in the military, 752 (29.7%) occurred among the veterans, and 1,110 (43.8%) occurred among the civilians. Ten-day incidence reached its peak in mid-July. Areas such as Cheolwon, Yeoncheon, Paju and Hwacheon showed the highest prevalence. CONCLUSION: It is considered that the current malaria outbreak has escaped from the exponential growth phase, however, attention should be paid to prevent further spreading of malaria.
