Speaker
Description
Malaria is mainly imported into Germany from endemic areas abroad, despite available chemoprophylaxis. We describe notified Plasmodium infections from 2017–2025 to identify epidemiological patterns and inform prevention.
We analysed notified infections in Germany (2017–2025) and describe demographics, species, exposure countries and travel purpose. Incidence/100,000 air travellers was estimated using German Federal Statistical Office air passenger data. Temporal trends and seasonality were assessed using negative binomial regression with Fourier terms, adjusting for the COVID-19 pandemic phases.
In total, 7,439 cases were reported (366 in 2020–1,001 in 2023). Median age was 38 years, 69% were male, 12% were children and 84% had P. falciparum. Among cases with travel purpose, 64% were visiting friends and relatives (VFR), 19% tourists and 7% occupational travellers. Most infections were acquired in Sub-Saharan Africa (95%), mainly Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. Traveller incidence was highest for Sierra Leone (1,038), Cameroon (666) and Guinea (605). No overall temporal trend was observed (p=0.56), but annual and semi-annual seasonality were identified. Case counts declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among VFR-travellers, case counts increased over time (p=0.041).
The majority of malaria cases notified in Germany occur among travellers returning from West Africa and VFR-travellers, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and improved uptake of chemoprophylaxis.
Keywords
Communicable Diseases, Imported; Plasmodium falciparum; Chemoprevention; Disease Notification; Travel Medicine
| Registration ID | 203 |
|---|---|
| Professional Status of the Speaker | Graduate Student |
| Junior Scientist Status | No, I am not a Junior Scientist. |
Authors
External references
- 23
