Malaria in reemerging disease which is now become one of the MOH concern. During Public health visit to Kuala Kangsar, they had brief us about Malaria. In 2002, 300 million cases being reported. In Malaysia, the cases have been decreased to 757 cases in 2005 in penincular Malaysia. In 2000, 35 cases of death has been reported.
prevalence : Male 77.6% compared to female 22.4%. Ethnic group: malays leading with 30.1
%.
Malaria is caused by parasite names plasmodium. There is 5 species: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. Ovale (not reported in Malaysia), P. Malarie and P. Knowlesi. This parasite is transmitted to human and animals by bite of anopheles spp. The incubation period for malaria is different according to the species, P.V and P.F 8-14 days, P.M is 18-25 days. It is the period of inoculation of infective sporozoites.
Clinical: fever >38oC with chill and rigors, sweating, malaise, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite.
Understanding about the vector is important in prevention and control. For example, Anopheles maculatus bite indoor and outdoor and bite starts around 9 till midnight. it breeds in open hilly county, small stream that exposed to sunlight. It host are animal like goats, dogs and cattle as well as human. Peak on March to april and flight range is 1 to 1.5 miles. Knowledge about vector biology to treat all malaria cases so that no potential gametocyte, termination of all anopheles vector to prevent access to gametocyte carrier and to protect population from anopheles bites.
There are 8 basic controls which are Physical Control, Mechanical Control, Chemical Control, Treatment to all positive cases, Biological control, genetic control and environmental control. ( NOTE: TiLl PMC BEG to u.)
