ABSTRACT
Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening infectious disease prevalent in the tropical region of Africa. Malaria is commonly transmitted by an infected female Anopheles mosquito bite which introduces the parasite into the blood (Tuteja, 2007). Nigeria suffers the world’s greatest malaria burden, with approximately 51 million cases and 207,000 deaths reported annually (WHO, 2019). Malaria can be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplant, shared use of needles or syringes, mother to her unborn infant before or during deliver. The symptoms of falciparum malaria are produced by the destruction of erythrocytes by the merozoites. High fever, called paroxysm, is the most basic indication. Reappearance of falciparum symptom after treatment, a phenomenon called recrudescence, is often seen in survisors.
Malaria is confirmed by the microscopic examination of blood films or by antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). Artemisin. Chloroquine, Quinine, and Atovaquone-proguanil are used in the treatment of malaria. Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of malaria can vary widely between neigbouring villages and within different parts of the same village. Both genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to these variations (BNM Greenwood 1989). Malaria is an important public health challenge among adults. The presence of an adult pool of malaria is a key reservoir in transmission of malaria to children and is relevant for plans to eradicate malaria. This study was carried out in University of Benin Health Center.
A retrospective data was collected from the Medical department of the Health Center based on age, sex, date of visit and malaria test results. Giemsa stain method is used in the diagnosis of malaria in the health center. The result of this study shows a prevalence rate of 61.9%. In raining season the prevalence rate was 63.3%, and 61% in dry season. Males have a prevalence rate of 55.1% while 61.8% in females. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the malaria infection in the dry season and wet season there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the malaria difference between sexes and age group. Effective prevention and control strategies would make significant strides in reducing malaria. Monitoring prevalence trends over time reveals the effectiveness of malaria control measure, assess burden of the disease and help in allocating resources effectively. This research contributes to the global fight against malaria, as it enhances our knowledge of the disease’s distribution and impact.
