MALARIA CONTROL AMONGST TROOPS INVOLVED IN COUNTER INSURGENCY OPERATION IN RESISTANT PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM AREAS

Incidence of malaria in troops carrying out counter-insurgency operation in thick jungles in North East region was compared for the year 1995 and 1996. Since troops were on constant move in thick jungles in hostile environment and they have to sleep and rest outdoor, use of mosquito net was not feasible in both years. Counter-insurgency operation lasted for two and half months in both the years from last week of March - 1st week of June. Inspite of troops being on 300mg chloroquine (base) per week as chemoprophylaxis, 40 cases (5%) of malaria were observed in troops in the year 1995. During the year 1996 troops were advised to take 600mg chloroquine (base) per week as chemoprophylaxis. Three cases (0.40%) of malaria were observed during the year 1996. Difference was found to be statistically significant.