Imported malaria in Trinidad and Togago, W. I. - 1968-1986

ABSTRACT

Malaria surveillance was conducted by the Insect Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, to determine the number of imported cases of malaria which entered Trinidad and Tobago from 1968 to 1986. A total of 84 cases of imported malaria was detected; in 44 the agent as Plasmodium falciparum, in 25 P. vivax, in 11 P. malariae, in one P. ovale, and three are mixed. The monthly incidence of malaria showed that July and August acconunted for 41 percent of all imported malaria cases. Most malaria cases were diagnosed among male patients (74.3 percent) whereas the most significant age group contracting malaria was 20-29 years. Twenty-seven per cent of the persons contracting malaria were Trinidadians, while tourists, seamen and contract officers accounted for 21 percent. The African continent was responsible for 60 percent, India 25 percent and South America 12 percent of the imported malaria cases diagnosed and treated in Trinidad. Trinidadians of African and East Indian descent accounted for 78 percent of all imported malaria cases. Malaria resistance and relapse are discussed. The need to maintain port surveillance is emphasized.(AU)