Seasonal Variation and Malaria in Endemic Mangalore City in South India

Abstract

Background: In the year 2017 India has contributed to 4% of global malaria cases and Mangalore is endemic to malaria. Malaria transmission also depends on the season of the year, i.e. the wet or dry season. Regardless of huge endemicity and massive health burden, at present limited data has been documented on malaria prevalence and factors contributing to prevalence of malaria and its association with seasonal factors in Mangalore region. Objective: To study the seasonal variations in malaria burden and species prevalence in Mangalore. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at District hospital Methods and Material: Patients with microscopically confirmed malaria attending the District hospital were included in the study. Demographic details were collected from participants. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics Results: In this region malaria is present all around the year and Plasmodium vivax is more predominant than Plasmodium falciparum. The number of cases peaks during the rainy season suggesting that high rains provide an ideal environment for malaria transmission. Conclusions: A complex relationship exists between rainfall, temperature, occupation and malaria. Implementing malaria elimination interventions such as preventing water clogging, cleaning the water bodies and increasing awareness for use of prevention practices might help in reducing malaria burden in Mangalore