Prevalence and risk factors of Plasmodium falciparum and Dengue virus infections among children below 5 years with acute febrile illnesses in Kisumu and Busia Counties

Abstract

Objective: To determine the risk factors and proportions of the emerging malaria and Dengue virus due to the climate changes in Western Kenya.

Design: Prospective mixed method cohort study that primarily collected data from febrile ill children.

Setting: All the levels; 2, 3 and 4 public health facilities in Bunyala Sub-County in Busia and Kisumu Central Sub-County in Kisumu County.

Participants: Under 5 years old children presenting with febrile illness.

Main outcome measures: Risk factors linked with malaria and Dengue virus disease burden among children due to the changing climate calls for an increased mosquito borne disease surveillance and patient care.

Results: A total of 1,004 study children were screened. Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum, Dengue virus and co-infection were 21.4%, 8.9% and 7.5%, respectively. Overall disease prevalence was 37.8%. Gender was found to be a significant risk factor at p = 0.006 (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.83). Residential equally influenced the risk (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.60, 2.50), same as having stagnant water at workplace (OR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.17, 13.3). The time of experiencing mosquito bites also was found to be a risk factor (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.54).

Conclusion: Malaria control efforts remain essential, yet there are minimal arbovirus control measures despite the emerging climate change favoring fecundity. Level of diagnostic capacity, awareness and exposure risks trail behind that of malaria. The inclusion of routine arbovirus screening is necessary to facilitate early detection and appropriate patient care and disease surveillance.