Characterization of a recent malaria outbreak in the autonomous indigenous region of Guna Yala, Panama. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Calzada, José; Marquez, Ricardo; Rigg, Chystrie; Victoria, Carlos; Cruz, Manuel; Chaves, Luis; Cáceres, Lorenzo
• Is Part Of: Malaria journal. Volume 14:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Malaria -- Plasmodium -- Anopheles -- Guna Yala -- Panama; Malaria -- Periodicals; 616.9362
• DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0987-6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1475-2875

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aims to describe the epidemiological and entomological factors associated with a recent malaria outbreak that occurred in 2012 in a socially marginalized population from Guna Yala Comarca in Panama. Methods A descriptive and observational study was conducted by analysing demographic and epidemiological data from all malaria cases registered during 2012 in the Comarca Guna Yala, Panama. Malaria intensity indicators were calculated during the study period. Entomological evaluations were performed monthly, from October to December 2012, in the three communities that presented the most intense malaria transmission during the first semester of 2012.Anopheles breeding habitats were also characterized. Results During the studied period, 6754 blood smears were examined (17.8 % of the total population), and 143 were confirmed as positive forPlasmodium vivax. A significant increase of malaria transmission risk indicators (API: 3.8/1000, SPR: 2.1 %) was observed in Guna Yula, when compared with previous years, and also in comparison with estimates from the whole country.Anopheles albimanus was the most abundant and widespread (877; 72.0 %) vector species found in the three localities, followed byAnopheles punctimacula (231; 19.0 %) andAnopheles aquasalis (110; 9.0 %). ThreeAn. albimanus pools were positive forP. vivax, showing an overall pooled prevalence estimate of 0.014. Conclusions Data analysis confirmed that during 2012 a malaria epidemic occurred in Guna Yala. Panama. This study provides baseline data on the local epidemiology of malaria in this vulnerable region of Panamá. This information will be useful for targeting control strategies by the National Malaria Control Programme.