Malaria case Greece

The Greek Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) has informed about a recent case of autochthonous Plasmodium vivax malaria.

On 22 June 2012, a case of locally acquired malaria infection was reported in Greece. The case is a78 year old Greek citizen who presumably acquired the infection close to Marathon, Attica region; onset of symptoms was around 7 June. Laboratory investigation revealed Plasmodium vivax, confirmed by molecular biology (PCR). The case reported no travel to an endemic country in the past 5 years. The Marathon area is a historical place of malaria transmission, combining humid zones and intensive agricultural activities. Climatic conditions are now considered favourable for local vector development. In 2011, an autochthonous case occurred in a nearby location. Read Article