The Considerable Cases of Imported Malaria in Larestan in the South of Iran During 2008-2018

Background: Malaria is one of the fatal parasitic diseases caused by a species of Plasmodium parasite. The disease is found worldwide, and Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi are the common causes among which P. vivax and P. falciparum are numerous general malaria-causing species in the world. Therefore, the present research aimed at determining the extent of these cases over the past few years in one of the southern regions of Larestan, located in Fars province, Iran. Methods: The population of the study included people referring to health centers between 2008 and 2018 whose data were recorded in the health centers of Larestan county. Data collection and evaluation were performed through patient files and recorded information. Results: The entire number of recorded malaria cases from 2008 to 2018 was 156, from which 140 (89.8%) and five (2.3%) cases were related to P. vivax and P. falciparum, and 11 mixed cases (7%) were reported as well. Conclusions: Over the years, malaria eradication has been a significant problem for countries. Therefore, it is important to find out the intervening factors such as relapse and imported malaria. Hence, considering the reduced imported malaria is required for eradicating this disease.