Potential threat of malaria epidemics in a low transmission area, as exemplified by Sao Tome and Principe.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plasmodium falciparum is the major cause of malaria infection in the island of São Tomé, in the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), with an incidence of 40 - 50% before 2004. Since 2004, through the coordination of the Ministry of Health of STP and their Centro Nacional de Endemias (CNE), an integrated malaria control programme has been intensively deployed on the island of São Tomé. Malaria morbidity and mortality decreased by 95% after three years of effective intervention. In the low transmission settings, however, malaria seasonal fluctuation can be a potential problem directly related to epidemics if ongoing control measures are interrupted. Studies on a number of associated factors with malaria epidemics and the measures taken to respond to outbreaks are prese

SUBMITTER: Lee PW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2955676 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature