Imported malaria cases by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Mexican territory: Potential impact of the migration crisis

Background

As the migratory flow to the USA has intensified in recent months, health problems associated have been identified. The aim of this work was the identification of malaria cases imported into Mexican territory.

Methods

Operational definitions of suspected and confirmed cases were used for investigation of malaria cases. Detection of parasitic entities by thick blood smear and molecular biology served as a confirmatory test. With the characteristics of the cases, a heat map was made to determine common clinical pictures. Finally, epidemiological analysis of cases was performed for the construction of timelines of imported malaria and the tracing of migratory routes.

Results

Twelve migrants from four countries were treated for presenting clinical symptoms with suspected dengue or malaria. Malaria was confirmed and two Plasmodium species were identified. From the epidemiological dates of arrival in Mexico, onset of symptoms and migratory routes, we speculate that ten cases acquired P. vivax during their crossing through Honduras, El Salvador or Guatemala. For the Guinea cases, we conclude that there was African importation of P. falciparum.

Conclusion

The epidemiological panorama of malaria cases imported into Mexico show the need to join efforts to ensure universal access to health services, with the objective of timely detection of imported cases.