Malaria in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Nabie Bayoh, Akhwale Willis, Ombok Maurice, Sang David, Engoki Sammy C, Koros Dan, Walker Edward D, Williams Holly A, Burke Heather, Armstrong Gregory L, Cetron Martin S, Weinberg Michelle, Breiman Robert, Hamel Mary J
Primary Institution: Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute
Hypothesis
What are the prevalence and attack rates of malaria and the sources of Anopheles vectors in Kakuma refugee camp?
Conclusion
Malaria in Kakuma refugee camp was primarily caused by P. falciparum and was sustained by A. arabiensis, facilitated by man-made water distribution systems.
Supporting Evidence
- 62.4% of febrile patients aged 5-17 tested positive for P. falciparum.
- Malaria attack rate was highest among children aged 2-4 years at 5.2/1,000/day.
- 3% of A. arabiensis adult females were infected with P. falciparum sporozoites in the rainy season.
- Indoor densities of A. arabiensis were similar in both wet and dry seasons.
Takeaway
In a refugee camp in Kenya, mosquitoes that spread malaria thrived because of water systems built for residents, leading to many people getting sick.
Methodology
Malaria prevalence was estimated from cases of fever using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy, while larval habitats of vectors were sampled and mapped.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection as only those presenting with fever were tested.
Limitations
The study was conducted after a malaria epidemic, which may not reflect typical transmission patterns.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 85% refugees, primarily Sudanese, and 15% Kenyan nationals, with a majority aged 5-17 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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