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Forest malaria in Vietnam: a challenge for control.
Annette Erhart1, Ngo D Thang, Nguyen Q Hung
1Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Prince Leopold, Antwerp, Belgium. aerhart@itg.be
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 3, 2004
Summary
Regular forest activity significantly increases malaria risk in Southeast Asia. Targeted interventions for forest workers are crucial for controlling Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Tropical Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Forest malaria is a prevalent and complex health issue in Southeast Asia.
- Understanding its transmission dynamics is vital for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of forest malaria in central Vietnam.
- To identify key risk factors and protective measures against Plasmodium falciparum infections.
Main Methods:
- A prospective community-based study involving 585 individuals over two years.
- Utilized active case detection and biannual cross-sectional surveys.
- Employed multivariate analysis to determine risk factors and protective effects.
Main Results:
- Consistent Plasmodium falciparum antibody prevalence of approximately 20%.
- Clinical malaria incidence rate of 0.11 per person-year.
- Regular forest activity identified as the primary risk factor; untreated bed nets offered 60% protection, except for forest dwellers.
Conclusions:
- Forest activity is a major driver of the malaria burden in the study area.
- Control efforts should prioritize forest workers.
- Urgent evaluation of new interventions, such as insecticide-treated materials, is recommended.