The Prevalence of Malaria in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence of malaria in Edo State, Nigeria. The study was cross-sectional, and lasted one year. Children of school ages participated in the study. Detection of malaria parasites was through thick blood film with Giemsa stain. There was a predilection for infection for children less than ten years. Infection rate decreased with increasing age. Results showed that the months of June, July, September, and October had lower prevalence values than the other months of the year thus showing an uneven seasonal transmission pattern (P < 0.05). The parasite was found to be ubiquitous in the state, thus indicating even distribution of the parasites in the state. The need to provide adequate protection for children and also discourage the breeding of the insect vectors around human habitations was emphasized. The awareness of the negative effects on the economy through absenteeism from work, school attendance and money spent on anti malarial drugs were discussed as part of control measures.

Key words: Malaria, Vector abundance, Giemsastain.