Malaria in seasonal migrant population in Southern Gujarat, India
- Author:
Srivastava, H.C.*
;
Chandrashekar Pant
;
Kurien, G.
;
Sreehari, U.
;
Yadav, R.S.,
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2011;28(3):638-645
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Malaria in migrant workers is always a major problem to control due to their
temporary stay in shelters, and other operational constraints. Hence, a study was undertaken
in brick kilns in Bharuch district, Gujarat state, India to study the problem of malaria in the
work force. Mass blood surveys were carried out in 15 brick kilns. Blood slides were collected
from both febrile and afebrile cases. Positive cases were treated as per the national drug
policy and were followed up. Mosquito collections were carried out by pyrethrum spray
collection in early morning hours. Human blood index and sporozoite rates were determined
as per standard procedures. All age groups were found affected with malaria at brick kilns.
Prevalence of malaria was significantly higher in < 14 years of age-group as compared to
adults. Post treatment follow up examination of patients revealed high malaria infection due
to non-compliance of chloroquine. The appearance of parasitaemia among Plasmodium
falciparum treated cases indicate the possibility of chloroquine resistance. The proportion of
P. falciparum was >50% in migrant population. In stable population in villages, overall decline
in malaria cases was observed in 2008-2010. The sporozoite rate of 4.2% in Anopheles
culicifacies indicates active malaria transmission at brick kilns. The investigation demonstrated
that suitable microclimatic conditions for malaria transmission exist in these areas during
hottest period. The district health department should consider these factors in planning
malaria surveillance and control. As current magnitude and diversity of population movements
in rural as well as in urban areas are unprecedented, this issue is worthy of attention.
- Full text:W020150615420492159350.pdf
