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[Malaria in Haiti today]
1Centre hospitalier universitaire d'Amiens, Groupe hospitalier Sud, Service de parasitologie, mycologie et médecine des voyages, 80054 Amiens, France. raccurt@yahoo.org
Sante (Montrouge, France)
|March 5, 2005
Summary
Malaria, primarily from Plasmodium falciparum, remains epidemic-endemic in Haiti. Entomological surveillance is crucial due to new vectors and urban spread, impacting regional malaria control.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Medical entomology
Context:
- Haiti represents a unique Caribbean focus for persistent epidemic-endemic malaria, predominantly caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
- Historically, Haitian Plasmodium falciparum strains demonstrated sensitivity to chloroquine as of 1995.
- The primary malaria vector in Haiti is Anopheles albimanus, with Anopheles Pseudopunctipennis recently introduced to the southern region.
Purpose:
- To update the understanding of malaria epidemiology in Haiti.
- To highlight the need for enhanced entomological surveillance, particularly concerning the introduced vector Anopheles Pseudopunctipennis.
- To inform the development of effective malaria control strategies and traveler advisories.
Summary:
- Malaria in Haiti, mainly Plasmodium falciparum, persists epidemically, with a low plasmodic index (3.9% in 1995).
- The disease, traditionally rural and seasonal, shows increasing prevalence in suburban Port-au-Prince.
- The introduction of Anopheles Pseudopunctipennis necessitates updated entomological surveillance alongside monitoring of the primary vector, Anopheles albimanus.
Impact:
- Imported malaria from Haiti poses a significant risk to neighboring countries due to population migration.
- Accurate, updated epidemiological data is vital for implementing rational malaria control measures.
- Informed advice for travelers to and from Haiti is essential to prevent disease transmission.