Greece reports 20 malaria cases in 2013
The number of laboratory confirmed malaria cases reported in Greece stands at 20 so far in 2013, according to data from The Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO).
Image-CDC/ James Gathany
KEELPO reports as of Nov. 16, of the 20 confirmed cases include 17 cases classified as imported (10 cases in migrants from malaria endemic countries and 7 in returning travelers). Of the 17 imported cases, 8 cases are confirmed as P. vivax infections (7 migrants from malaria endemic countries and 1 in returning traveler) and 9 cases are confirmed as P. falciparum (3 migrants from malaria endemic countries and 6 in returning travelers).
In addition to the 17 imported cases, Greece health officials say their has been three locally acquired P. vivax infections.
The three autochthonous cases have been reported from agricultural areas where immigrants from malaria endemic countries reside and work. Two from Alexandroupolis municipality in the region of Evros and one from the municipality of Sofades in the Karditsa region.
The number of cases reported thus far in 2013 is lower than the number of malaria cases reported in the four previous year of 2009-2012, which reported 51, 44, 96 and 93 cases, respectively.
For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
Looking for a job in health care? Check here to see what’s available
[…] Greece reports 20 malaria cases in 2013 […]