Control of malaria in "tropical-paradise" hideaways
Cooke, R.A.; Jeays, K.; Spencer, R.
Medical Journal of Australia 148(12): 654
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-729X PMID: 3288851 Document Number: 325135
5 cases of malaria were reported from an island near Honiara in the Solomon Islands: 1 in 1982, during the development of and 4 in 1984, after the partial opening of a tropical island holiday resort. During 1985, following the full opening of the resort, a further 18 cases were reported. All cases of Plasmodium falciparum showed some resistance to chloroquine. The intensity of infection was low; one patient died, probably as a result of undiagnosed P. falciparum infection. Some P. vivax infections recurred after treatment, indicating the presence of the Chesson strain. The mosquito breeding areas were identified and sprayed regularly with a larvicide derived from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. The holiday accomodation was sprayed regularly, and bed-nets and personal insecticide aerosols were provided. The guests were given advice regarding symptoms, treatment and control. 60% of local staff were shown to be infected with Plasmodium. All staff and indigenous inhabitants were given regular antimalarial prophylaxis. Visits by people from neighbouring islands were reduced. No new cases have been reported since 1986.