The epidemiology of malaria in an epidemic area of the Peruvian Amazon

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2000 Feb;62(2):247-56. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2000.62.247.

Abstract

A longitudinal study of malariometric indicators and their association with potential risk factors was conducted during August 1997-July 1998 at Padre Cocha, a village of 1,400 residents in the Peruvian Amazon. The incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infections during the study year was 166/1,000 persons; that of P. vivax was 826/1,000 persons. The mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 2 days; presenting geometric mean parasite densities were 3,976 parasites/microl for P. falciparum infections and 2,282 parasites/microl for P. vivax. There were no malaria-associated deaths. Consistent with the epidemic nature of malaria in the area, the incidence of both parasite species increased with age and there were no age-specific differences in mean parasite densities. No specific occupational risks for malaria were identified. Activities significantly associated with malaria risk reflected local vector behavior and included strolling outdoors after 6:00 PM and arising before 6:00 AM for adults, and attending evening church services for children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Anopheles / physiology
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Insect Vectors / physiology
  • Life Style
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Malaria, Falciparum / blood
  • Malaria, Falciparum / epidemiology*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Malaria, Falciparum / transmission
  • Malaria, Vivax / blood
  • Malaria, Vivax / epidemiology*
  • Malaria, Vivax / parasitology
  • Malaria, Vivax / transmission
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Parasitemia / epidemiology
  • Peru / epidemiology
  • Plasmodium falciparum / growth & development
  • Plasmodium vivax / growth & development
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Antimalarials