Investigating the Risk Factors for the Reestablishment of Malaria in Georgia
Disciplines
Epidemiology | Parasitic Diseases | Public Health
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., is regarded as one of the most pervasive infectious diseases worldwide and is an ongoing public health concern. Malaria was historically a leading cause of death in the U.S. and was hyperendemic in the Southern U.S. Eradication programs in the twentieth century eliminated malaria in the U.S. However, since that time focal autochthonous transmission, typically associated with airports, has been reported. With the increase of global air travel and trade, airport malaria could become a public health concern in Georgia as it houses the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This study identified risk factors for the introduction and establishment of Plasmodium spp. and presents mitigation measures to reduce the risk of malaria reestablishment in Georgia via Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Andrew Haddow
Investigating the Risk Factors for the Reestablishment of Malaria in Georgia
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., is regarded as one of the most pervasive infectious diseases worldwide and is an ongoing public health concern. Malaria was historically a leading cause of death in the U.S. and was hyperendemic in the Southern U.S. Eradication programs in the twentieth century eliminated malaria in the U.S. However, since that time focal autochthonous transmission, typically associated with airports, has been reported. With the increase of global air travel and trade, airport malaria could become a public health concern in Georgia as it houses the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This study identified risk factors for the introduction and establishment of Plasmodium spp. and presents mitigation measures to reduce the risk of malaria reestablishment in Georgia via Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.