Abstract

CLIMATE CHANGE AND MALARIA, A CASE STUDY IN UYO METROPOLIS, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Afiong Ukpo*, Eyoh Joy, Okon Afiong and Umoffia Edidiong

ABSTRACT

Malaria remains a dreaded disease and multi-faceted problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria is cause by parasites that are transmitted to people through bites of infected mosquitoes. The distribution and seasonal transmission of malaria is affected by climate as both vector and parasites are sensitive to temperature. Investigation of the different species of malaria parasites, Plamodium falciparum, and Plasmodium vivax in providing strategic insights into the effects of climate change on malaria transmission was made using both slide method and a standard rapid immuno-chromotographic test. We evaluated 400 blood samples from patients presenting with feverish symptoms between the periods of February 2012 to January 2013. Our results showed that P falciparum was found to be at the peak between the months January and February being the beginning of raining season compared to the period of October to December, April having the least number of patients. The co-infection of P falciparum and P vivax were also common during this season. Conclusively, the parasite transmission is strongly climate dependent in Uyo metropolis of Akwa Ibom State.

Keywords: Malaria, Climate change, Vector, Transmission.