Abstract:

Malaria is a disease which can be transmitted to the people of all ages. It is caused by parasites of the species Plasmodium. WHO reported about 3.3 billion people at risk of malaria. Globally, this leads to about 250 million malaria cases and nearly one million deaths every year. Malaria diagnosis and control requires an integrated approach, including prevention (primarily vector control) and prompt treatment with effective antimalarials. Natural disasters like floods can potentially increase the transmission of malaria through the expansion in the number and range of vector habitats. Knowledge of the epidemiology of malaria in the area affected by an emergency is essential to allow appropriate prevention and case-management strategies to be planned. Prompt parasitological confirmation by microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests is recommended in all patients suspected of malaria before treatment is started. Treatment solely on the basis of clinical suspicion should only be considered when parasitological diagnosis is not accessible. In emergency situations where there is a risk of malaria, surveillance must be initiated to monitor trends, provide early warning of an outbreak, monitor the effectiveness of malaria control interventions and redefine priorities.