Burden of Malaria in Rural area Jhansi- A clinico-epidemiological study.

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria is a protozoan disease transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.WHO estimates that there were 216 million cases of malaria in 2016 resulting in 445,000 deaths. According to world malaria report 2012, India alone has an estimated 24 million cases per year. It is preventable and curable. Aims and objectives: To assess the burden of malaria in a rural area, and evaluate the clinico-epidemiological factors among malaria positive cases. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 300 adult patients of malaria (Pf, Pv, Pf+ Pv) in the rural field practice area, by the Department of Community Medicine at MLB Medical College from March 2017 to October 2017. All the patients presenting fever with the suspicion of malaria were examined. Only peripheral smear / quantitative buffy coat positive patient was included. Results: Out of total 300 patients of malaria 147 (49%) patients were of P. falciparum , 110 (36.67%) were of P. vivax and 43(14.33%) were of mixed infection. There was no predilection observed in this study towards any sex. Fever was the most common manifestation followed by Chills and rigors. While altered sensorium was seen in 71 (23.67%). Conclusion: Use of multipronged strategies to combat the disease transmission and control with an integration of multi-sectoral collaboration is needed in a rural area.