[Imported paludism: an emerging illness].
BACKGROUND
We aimed at knowing the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of imported malaria in Maresme county (Barcelona), Spain.


METHODS
A descriptive and retrospective study of patients diagnosed with imported malaria at the Hospital de Mataró (HM) (1982-2000).


RESULTS
64 cases of malaria were diagnosed, which supposed a significant increase in its incidence over the last decade. The disease mostly affected men (83%) as well as young and sub-Saharan immigrants (72%). 17% of affected people were immigrants' children. 50% cases were diagnosed in August-September. 80% of species corresponded to Plasmodium falciparum, either alone or in association with other species. Only 10% of patients underwent a correct chemoprophylaxis.


CONCLUSIONS
Imported malaria is an emergent, potentially mortal, illness, which has to be taken into account in high-rate immigration areas. Prophylaxis compliance and knowledge is low.
Bartolomé Regué
Maria
M
Area Bàsica de Salut La Riera. Consorci Sanitari del Maresme (CSdM). Mataró. España.
Balanzó Fernández
Xavier
X
Roca Saumell
Carme
C
Ferrer Argelès
Pilar
P
Fernández Roure
Josep Lluís
JL
Daza López
Manuel
M
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology