A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ANALYSING THE PREVAILING MALARIA TRENDS IN CHHATTISGARH

Introduction: Malaria is a seasonal disease and endemic in Chhattisgarh, as a large number of cases and deaths are reported from the tribal-dominated districts of Chhattisgarh. The distribution of these malaria parasites can vary across different regions of India due to climate, geography, mosquito vector species present, human population dynamics, and socio-economic conditions. Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out to analyse the trends in the prevalence of malaria parasites from 2018 to 2022in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: Retrospective Data from five annual cross-sectional Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria antigen were analysed from a combined sample of 27,844 individuals suspected of malaria. Data collected included demographic profile and test results of malaria parasites by Rapid diagnostic test. Results: The overall malaria prevalence rate detected during the study period was 1.39%. P. falciparum species showed predominance, with a pinnacle of 96.1% (100) in 2020. Malaria cases were found to be more associated with young adults (31.95%) males (62.88%) with peak positivity rate recorded in month of July to August. Conclusion: The present study shows a decline in the number of malaria cases from 2018 to 2022 except in 2020. The cases showed seasonal variation with the most cases reported in the monsoon season. As coordinated efforts from clinicians, laboratory personnel, and community health workers have brought India into a decline phase of malaria, it’s important to maintain these interventions to sustain progress and move towards the goal of elimination.