Korean J Infect Dis.  2002 Oct;34(5):267-275.

Status of Vivax Malaria in the Republic of Korea in 2001

• Ryu SH
• Lee WJ
• Kim YA
• Chai JY
• Park JW

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Since 1997, the annual case occurrence of vivax malaria in the Republic of Korea (ROK) has exceeded 1,000 cases. The military is thought to be an important source of the current outbreak. We collected various informations about malaria cases (soldiers, veterans and civilians) that occurred in 2001, and analyzed the characteristics of the current outbreak.
METHODS
Informations about malaria cases of soldiers, veterans and civilians, including the name, age, sex, day of onset, region, etc., were collected through the National Institute of Health.
RESULTS
Out of a total of 2,534 cases, 672 (26.5%) occurred in the military, 752 (29.7%) occurred among the veterans, and 1,110 (43.8%) occurred among the civilians. Ten-day incidence reached its peak in mid-July. Areas such as Cheolwon, Yeoncheon, Paju and Hwacheon showed the highest prevalence.
CONCLUSION
It is considered that the current malaria outbreak has escaped from the exponential growth phase, however, attention should be paid to prevent further spreading of malaria.

Keyword

Vivax malaria; Republic of Korea; 2001

MeSH Terms

Humans
Incidence
Malaria
Malaria, Vivax*
Military Personnel
Prevalence
Republic of Korea*
United Nations
Veterans