Malaria epidemics in the highlands of Ethiopia
Negash, K.; Kebede, A.; Medhin, A.; Argaw, D.; Babaniyi, O.; Guintran, J.O.; Delacollette, C.
East African Medical Journal 82(4): 186-192
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 16122086 Document Number: 585941
Objective: To confirm the occurrence and describe the patterns of the 2003 malaria epidemics reported in the highlands of Ethiopia. Design: A retrospective descriptive study. Settings: Fifty malaria-affected districts between altitude ranges of 1500 and 2500 m in three regions in Ethiopia. Results: Exaggerated seasonal transmission was observed in 25 districts, 16 in Oromia region, and 9 in SNNPR. A sustained upward trend with 3-4 consecutive abnormal seasonal transmissions, which started since 2002, was identified in 22 districts. True explosive epidemic malaria was recorded at exceptionally high altitude (around 2500 m) in at least one of the health facilities in seven districts. The incidence of malaria in 2003 showed a 6-fold increase on average (range, 2-20) from the threshold level. Conclusion: Occurrence of a malaria epidemic was confirmed in all studied districts showing that the level of malaria endemicity and magnitude of the problem is increasing. The findings suggest the strategic importance of taking well-timed and appropriately targeted preventive and control interventions.