Malaria control using deltamethrin impregnated bed nets in a cantonment area at Allahabad (U. P.)

The study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of deltamethrin impregnated mosquito nets on malaria incidence, mosquito density, any adverse side effect among users and collateral effects on bed bugs and houseflies. A field trial was carried out over a period of three years in two adjacent military stations at Allahabad (UP), keeping one as a trial and other as a control station. During first year, baseline data were collected and during next two years residual spray was replaced with use of deltamethrin impregnated mosquito nets in trial station. The use of deltamethrin-treated bed nets resulted in a significant decline in malaria incidence and annual parasite index (API). The average mosquito density of anopheline mosquitoes decreased by 67.8% and culicine by 49.7%. The insecticide was found safe for use amongst troops and had favourable collateral effects against bed bugs and flies. Use of deltamethrin impregnated bed nets has beneficial impact on integrated control of malaria.