Clinical Observation in 26 Cases of Indigenous Malaria in 1995 / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: In Korea, control activities against the endemic malaria due to Plasmodium vivax had been done in 1960s. It is now widely accepted in Republic of Korea that indigenous malaria stopped its endemicity in the mid-1970s. But a vivax malaria case without history of being abroad was recognized in 1993. In addition to this case, 20 cases of indigenous malaria were detected in 1994. And they were progressively increased to about 80 cases in 19%. We report these recently developed cases. METHODS: In a 7-month period between June and December 1995, high fever patient were examined. Patients having a narcotic drug injection or those who had blood transfusion were excluded. Laboratory studies including blood cell count, peripheral blood smear and abdominal sonogaphy were taken. RESULTS: Over 3-month period from July through September 19%, 26 cases of new indigenous malaria were diagnosed. In a blood smear, plasmodium vivax was diagnosed. CONCLUSION: The twentysix new indigenous malaria cases occured. Because all the detected patients had no history of visiting endemic countries, they were not imported cases. Vivax malaria in the present patients can be contracted by infected mosquitos which came across the militarized zone (DMZ). Officially speaking, DMZ is a 4 km wide between the north and south borders, Hut the width is much narrower in many parts. However, we do not have any information on the malaria situation in the north Korea. In order to evaluate a significance of the recent indigenous malario occurrence, a surveillance system should be operated in these areas.