A preliminary survey of malaria in Occidental, Mindoro, Philippines

A survey of malaria in Northwest Mindoro, Occidental, Mindoro, Philippines is reported. Three species of human plasmodia were identified from 600 blood films examined. The overall prevalence of malaria was 7% (2.8% P. falciparum, 4.3% P. vivax, 0.7% P. malariae). The prevalence of malaria was highest (24%) among children 0 to 15 years of age and only 4 cases (12%) were found among persons over the age of 15. Males and females were equally infected. Study sites with the highest slide-positivity rate were located in the foothill regions which corresponded with the observed presence of two malaria vectors, Anopheles minimus flavirostris and An. maculatus. These sites appeared to be adequate for future studies of drug-resistance, although large numbers of suitable candidates would not be expected.