A Twenty- Four Years Study on the Malaria Trend in Southwestern Iran (1995-2018)

Iran has attained more than 96 percent reduce in indigenous malaria cases, and is classified in the elimination phase. Almost all malaria transmission happens in the southeastern regions of the country. Most of autochthonous malaria cases in Iran are due to Plasmodium vivax. In Iran, there is a significant decrease in disease burden; however, the overall trend of malaria prevalence is not investigated or well-documented in different localities. Hence, this study is aimed to investigate the epidemiologic features of malaria cases in Gotvand County from 1995 until 2018. This descriptive cross-sectional survey investigates malaria-related factors during a 24-year period of time based on existing data and information extracted at Gotvand’s Health Services Center during 1995-2018. Malaria infected cases were confirmed by direct microscopy and treated with normal antimalarial agents. For each positive case a questionnaire containing demographic and epidemiologic data was filled out. Data analysis has been done by SPSS software.  The obtained data from the reviewed forms included 46 positive cases in Gotvand County. The total number of malaria cases has been decreased in 1995 and 2012 compared to 1998. The highest (23, 5 and 5) cases of malaria were occurred in 1995, 1996 and 2006, respectively. The majority of cases (67.4%) were male. Most cases of malaria were due to P. vivax (97.8%) followed by P. falciparum (2.2%). About 69.6% of cases were Iranian and 30.4 % non-Iranian (Afghan). Most cases of the disease (32.7%) were in age group of 20-29 years old. The highest number of infections was seen in the occupational group of workers with 19 (41.3%) cases. With respect to suitable environmental conditions for transmission of malaria in this area, necessary plans should be conducted in Khuzestan Province to prevent the reoccurrence of malaria in this county.

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