Prevalence of malaria parasite in takum local government area, taraba state, Nigeria

Abstract

1.1. Introduction: Blood parasites of the genus Plasmodium are approximately 156 named species, which infects various species of vertebrates. Transmission of malaria is intense and stable in Nigeria because the intensity of attack remains constant throughout the year or from year to year. 1.2. Objective: This research was conducted in order to determine the prevalence rate of malaria parasite in Takum, Taraba State, Nigeria. 1.3. Methods: Studies were carried out in order to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite infection among human beings in Takum, Taraba State. Rapid diagnostic antimalarial kits, structural questionnaires were distributed to ascertain the age, sex, drugs or insecticides used, and state of health of the individuals before cutting them into the study. 1.4. Results: Overall, 80(64%) of the 100 persons investigated were found to have malaria infection. Age groups (0-3years) had the highest frequent rate of 64% which means parasite density of 90%, and the difference between the age groups was statistically significant (p≤0.05 student; t-test). Children of the illiterates from suburban villages had the highest means parasite density of 850 with 98% prevalence rate. 20% of the children were given local herbs and 22% used orthodox medicine as prophylaxis. Only 18% used insecticide-treated bed nets while 24% of the parents spray insecticide to prevent mosquito bites. 1.5. Conclusion: The study showed that lack of effective strategies for mosquito control was responsible for high prevalence rate of malaria parasite in Takum. There is the need for more awareness on effective use of anti-malarial drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets in malaria hyper endemic regions of Takum.