Malaria in Croatia in the period between 1987 to 2006

A retrospective study about the incidence of malaria in Croatia in the period from 1987 to 2006 based on the official data of the Croatian National Institute of Public Health. In this period there were 201 cases of malaria registered in Croatia. The majority (79.6%) were imported from Africa, a significantly lower number from Asia (17%), and several cases from South America or from unknown locations. One case ended in death. The causative agents determined are Plasmodium falciparum (64.7%), Plasmodium vivax (19.9%), Plasmodium malariae (2.0%), Plasmodium ovale (0.5%), and mixed infections (6.0%). The causative agent was not discovered in 6.9% of the cases. Chemoprophylaxis was given to patients in regular intervals and correctly in 23.3% of the cases, in irregular intervals in 8.0% of the cases, incorrectly in 9.5% of the cases, in 9.5% the manner of application is unknown, and the remaining 48.7% did not use chemoprophylaxis. Approximately 70% of the patients are seamen, and the remaning are workers temporarily working in tropical countries and tourists. In conclusion, authors argue in favour of prevention measures in persons who stay in malarious areas, by providing them with information about the disease, applying permanent prophylaxis and rigorous control, as well as monitoring all persons arriving from risky areas. On account of the danger of the possible reintroduction of malaria and spreading imported causative agents, we should focus our attention primarily on the early detection and appropriate therapy of infected cases from abroad.