Malaria Outbreak Investigation in Siansundu, Binga District, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, 2013
Abstract:
Malaria is of public health importance in Zimbabwe. A sharp rise in the number of malaria cases in Binga district was noted during week five in 2013. On further analysis, the Siansundu clinic was found to be in an outbreak situation. The study was conducted to determine factors associated with contracting malaria in Binga District, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe. An unmatched 1: 1 case-control study was conducted in Siansundu, Binga, among 124 residents. A case was a person who presented with malaria symptoms, a control was a person who was a neighbour of a case and did not suffer from typical malaria symptoms or had a negative RDT result from the 1st of January 2013. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and a checklist were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using Epi Info, where odds ratios and p values were calculated. Risk factors for contracting malaria were: Fetching water at night (OR 2.55, p-value 0.04); Having inadequate mosquito nets per sleeping space (OR 3.596, p-value 0.036); Worshipping and praying outside at night (OR 3.417, p-value 0.0006). Wearing long clothing at night was a protective factor against contracting malaria (OR 0.156, p-value 0.001). The case fatality rate was 0.43%. The district was not prepared for the outbreak and responded late. Educational strategies to address the risk factors for malaria and regular meetings by the emergency preparedness and response team were recommended to prevent future outbreaks and aid outbreak preparedness.References:
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