Urban malaria in Nazareth, Ethiopia: parasitological studies
Yohannes, M.; Petros, B.
Ethiopian Medical Journal 34(2): 83-91
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-1755 PMID: 8840610 Document Number: 468178
Cross-sectional surveys for parasite infection, and factors that possibly influence human malaria transmission were carried out to characterize the epidemiology of urban malaria in Nazareth, Ethiopia. Thick and thin blood films for parasite diagnosis were collected from individuals residing in 6 representative kebeles in the town. A questionnaire was used to obtain socioeconomic information. An overall parasite rate of 2.8%, P. falciparum (1.6%) and P. vivax (1.2%) was observed among the 3890 individuals examined during the 4 surveys. Significant intra-urban differences, in parasite rates, were observed with a much higher prevalence in the peripheral kebeles. A marked seasonal variation in parasite rates was evident during the sampling period and a peak occurred in September/October. There was no apparent decrease in parasite rate with an increase in age, suggesting a delayed acquired immunity, typical of hypoendemic settings. This study indicated that in Nazareth the prevalence of malaria is seasonally variable, relatively low and therefore unstable. It is emphasised that if appropriate control measures are not instituted the malaria situation in Nazareth is subject to epidemics.