Journal of travel medicine
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In the Netherlands, cases of imported malaria peaked in the late 1990s to around 500 (60% Plasmodium falciparum) annually. About 30% to 40% of all cases and 57% to 69% of the falciparum cases presented in the Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam. In 1991 to 1994, a shift in population groups to more semi-immune patients, mostly settled immigrants visiting friends and relatives (VFRs), was noticed, when compared to 1979 to 1988. This study shows the ongoing trend in 2000 to 2002. ⋯ During 2000 to 2002, the total number of patients with falciparum malaria was steadily decreasing due to a decrease in nonimmune patients. The number of semi-immune patients, mostly VFRs and visitors, remained stable. The increasing use of more convenient chemoprophylactic drugs, like atovaquone/proguanil, appears to improve compliance in those who can afford the drug.