Prevalence and seasonal trends of malaria at general hospital, Palanpur Banaskantha, Western part of India

Abstract

Aim: Malaria is one of the known endemic disease in India. Malaria is transmitted by infected female anopheles mosquito vector transmitting mainly two Plasmodial species named P. falciparum and P. vivax. Prevalence of malaria is affected by atmospheric and socioeconomic condition of geographical area. Aim of the study is to know the prevalence of malaria and the seasonal trend of malaria at general hospital Palanpur, Banaskantha in western part of India. Material and Methods: This study was carried out at Central Laboratory, General Hospital, Palanpur, Banaskantha over period of July 2014 to June 2018. 41660 samples from fever patients were collected. We used Microscopic examination for the diagnosis of malaria by preparing thick and thin smears from these 41660 samples and stained using field stain. Results: We had collected total 41660 samples of fever patients. Out of 41660 samples, 688 samples were detected positive for malaria. So prevalence of malaria in our hospital was 1.65%. Prevalence of P. Vivax, P. Falciparum and mixed (infection of P. Falciparum and P. Vivax at a same time) were found 77.90%, 21.80% and 0.30% respectively. Malaria was seen relatively higher in males and affecting 15-30 years of age group more. Most cases of malaria were found in months of September and October near the end of monsoon and post monsoon season. Conclusion:From our study we concluded that there was high prevalence of P. vivax than P. Falciparum infection. Maximum numbers of cases were after major rainfall, reported in month of September and October. Morbidity and mortality of malaria must be reduced by strengthening Malaria Surveillance, risk factor assessment during pre and postmonsoon period. Premonsoon preventive actions need strengthening and strict monitoring of all these actions are needed.