Abstract:

Introduction: A review of Nyanga District malaria weekly surveillance data showed that malaria cases had surpassed the thresholds from week 4 confirming that an outbreak was underway. We investigated the outbreak to determine risk factors associated with contracting malaria.

Methods: A 1:1 Unmatched Case control study was carried out in Nyanga district. Interviewer administered questionnaires and WHO adapted Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) checklists were used to collect information on risk factors and on outbreak response. Data were analysed using Epi-Info 7 statistical software.

Results: Eighty three cases and 83 controls were enrolled into the study. Most (76%) of the under 5 year cases came from villages across the border in Mozambique. Presence of stagnant water bodies near home [OR= 11.06; 95%CI (2.32; 52.68)] was associated with contracting malaria. Consistently sleeping under a net [OR= 0.13; 95% CI (0.03; 0.59)] Use of mosquito repellents [OR= 0.16; 95% CI (0.04; 0.58)] and having received health education on malaria in the past year [OR= 0.19; 95% CI (0.07; 0.52)] were protective against contracting malaria.

Conclusion: The district was not prepared for the outbreak and the outbreak mainly affected children under five years from Mozambique. The risk factor for contracting malaria during the outbreak was presence of stagnant water bodies near homes which facilitated breeding of the vector. Consistently sleeping under a mosquito net, use of mosquito repellents and reported history of receiving health education on malaria in the past year were protective. As a result of this study health education was given to the community.

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