The difference study of imported malaria before and after COVID-19 epidemic in Nanning

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the differences between imported malaria before and during the COVID-19 epidemic in Nanning city, and to predict the imported malaria epidemic, so as to provide a basis for future prevention and control strategies. Methods Malaria case data in Nanning city from 2018 to 2021 were collected and divided into two groups. The data from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 were classified as the routine period before COVID-19, and the data from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 were classified as the COVID-19 period. Statistical software was used to analyze the differences between the two groups in basic information, overseas activities, species of infected Plasmodium, diagnosis and treatment. Results The age difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t=2.222, P < 0.05);There was significant difference in the proportion of overseas residence types between the two groups (P < 0.05);There was significant difference in the proportion of parasite species between the two groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of Plasmodium ovale in the COVID-19 period group was higher than that in the routine period group, and the proportion of Plasmodium falciparum was lower than that in the routine period group;There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender proportion, current address category proportion, malaria proportion due to going out for gold, proportion of mild, moderate and severe disease degree, proportion of hospitalization, proportion of standardized treatment, proportion of whole course medication, proportion of cure and length of hospital stay. Conclusions The incidence of imported malaria in Nanning declined significantly during the period of COVID-19, and the proportion of Plasmodium falciparum infection decreased. It is necessary to be vigilant against the outbreak of imported malaria caused by the increase of inbound people with the progress of COVID-19 control.