Epidemiology of Malaria in the city of Kaedi (Mauritania, 2014).

BACKGROUND: In the face of ongoing and projected environmental and climate change, the epidemiology of malaria in the city of Kaédi (Mauritania), bordering the Senegal River Valley, requires special attention. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological situation of malaria in the city of Kaédi, Mauritania, during the wet season of 2014. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey in the city of Kaédi in september 2014 (wet season), to assess the prevalence of malaria parasites and vectors. For the choice of households, a cluster sampling was carried out and the city was subdivided into 10 sub-spatial units using a map of the city and the contribution of local populations. All household members were subjected to microscopic examination. In addition, larval surveys, morning wildlife sprays and night trap breaks were conducted. RESULTS: Of the 4671 thick drops made, three were positive, ie an average plasmid index of 0.06%. Prevalence was 0.04% (2/4671) and 0.02% (1/4671) for Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum, respectively. In addition, the larval fauna consisted essentially of Culex larvae (100%). Two (2) female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected during the study. CONCLUSION: Even if transmission is low, in a context of absence of rainfall, the health authorities must foresee a strategy of malaria pre-elimination in riparian wilayas of the Senegal River.

[Seasonal transmission of malaria in the Senegal River Valley: case study of the city of Kaedi-Mauritanie]. / Transmission saisonnière du paludisme au niveau de la vallée du fleuve Sénégal: cas de la ville de Kaédi-Mauritanie.

INTRODUCTION: In the face of environmental and climatic changes both ongoing and planned, the epidemiology of malaria in the city of Kaedi (Mauritania), along the Senegal River Valley, requires special attention. Some cases of malaria have been registered in the health facilities throughout the year, with an average of 150,000 annual suspected cases and climatic and ecological conditions which are now favorable for seasonal transmission. METHODS: We conducted two cross-sectional descriptive surveys in the city of Kaedi in September 2014 (wet season) and in May 2015 (dry season). Our cluster sampling involved 700 households. Microscopic examination was performed in all household members. Furthermore, larval surveys, early morning wildlife spraying and nocturnal traps breaking were performed. RESULTS: During both seasons, 9.313 thick smears were manufactured, 15 were positive, with a plasmodium prevalence rate of 0.16%. Among these, 12 were positive in the dry season and 3 in the rainy season. Plasmodium prevalence rate was 0.26% and 0.06% respectively in the dry season (n = 4642) and in the wet season (n = 4671). In the rainy season, rates were 0.04% (2/4671) and 0.02% (1/4671) respectively for Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum. The only species found in the dry season was Plasmodium falciparum. Entomological investigations showed the presence of a single species of Anopheles mosquito, Anopheles gambia (two in the rainy season and six in the dry season). Larval surveys showed that the larval fauna was dominated by Culex larvae (99.6%). Anopheles larvae (0.4%) were collected only during the dry season. CONCLUSION: Despite low malaria transmission in the city of Kaedi, in a context of lack of rainfall, health authorities should implement a strategy for malaria elimination in the wilayas of the Senegal River.