Reappearance of malaria in an eradicated area

ABSTRACT

In July 1960 there was a sudden outbreak of Pl. vivax malaria in the East and West banks of the Demerara River Estuary. Previously this had been regarded as an area in which malaria was entirely controlled and A. darlingi eradicated. Studies showed that A. aquasalis was the vector of this outbreak. Factors responsible for this are thought to be varied. There has been a general increase of the population of this area and an influx of parasite carriers from the interior where control is not yet achieved. Housing developments and industrial plants have lead to a decline in acreage for pastureland and livestock and it is suggested that A. aquasalis has been partially diverted from livestock to man. If endemic malaria is to be prevented from recurring in areas previously freed of this disease three main steps will be necessary - (1) Complete eradication of malaria in the interior, mainly by the use of chloroquinized salt in these areas as well as in Brazil. (2) Thorough and efficient and continuous malaria surveillance. (3) Rational integration of all planning with respect to urban, village and agricultural development in order to maintain an adequate balance in the distribution of human and livestock population (AU)