Malaria in China

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is preventable and curable. Symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting and usually appear 10-15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, then malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.

Malaria was once widespread in China, with over 24 million cases reported in the early 1970s. In 2010, the National Malaria Elimination Programme was launched, backed by strong political commitment and an effectively integrated approach. Since 2017, China has reported zero indigenous malaria case for three consecutive years and this makes China eligible for the malaria-free certification by WHO.

Yet, over 2,000 imported malaria cases have been reported annually in China from 2017 to 2019. Therefore, stopping onward transmission from imported cases is a top priority.

Travellers visiting malaria endemic countries should take personal preventative measures including a full course of antimalarial medication travel and the use of treated bed nets, indoor spraying, insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing, and seek medical treatment at the first signs of illness.