The Pandemonium of Malaria in the Rural Population of District Khairpur During the 2022 Monsoon Flood

Authors

  • Ashfaq Ahmed Buriro University of Sindh, Jamshoro
  • Ali Muhammad Memon University of Sindh, Jamshoro
  • Noman Sadiq Mekran Medical College, Turbat https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2117-2755
  • Jamshed Warsi University of Sindh, Jamshoro
  • Zaib- Un- Nisa Mughal University of Sindh, Jamshoro
  • Autif Hussain Mangi University of Sindh, Jamshoro
  • Rozina Mangi University of Sindh, Jamshoro
  • Benazir Mahar University of Sindh, Jamshoro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32413/pjph.v13i3.1149

Keywords:

Malaria, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum, flood pandemic

Abstract

Background: The recent monsoon flood in Pakistan triggered a surge in various diseases, particularly affecting Sindh. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of malaria in the Khairpur district during the flood pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Khairpur district on the rural population during the flood pandemic of 2022, spanning from August to September. Due to the flood, numerous patients exhibited fever and malaria-related symptoms. Using convenient purposive sampling, all symptomatic patients underwent malaria testing through the ICT (immunochromatographic test) method.

Results: Throughout the study period, 2383 individuals presented with malaria-like symptoms. Among them, 1932 individuals tested positive for malaria, resulting in a prevalence of 81.1%. Among the malaria-positive cases, Plasmodium vivax was detected in 1431 (74%) cases, while Plasmodium falciparum was identified in 501 (26%) individuals. Notably, 85% of males, 67% of non-pregnant females, 36% of pregnant females, 65% of children up to 8 years old, and 95% of children aged 9-18 were afflicted with malaria.

Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria in flood-affected areas is alarmingly high. While the elevated prevalence of Plasmodium vivax poses a substantial health risk, the presence of Plasmodium falciparum may lead to severe complications.

Author Biographies

  • Ashfaq Ahmed Buriro, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

    PhD Scholar, Department of Physiology

  • Ali Muhammad Memon, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

    PhD Scholar, Physiology

  • Noman Sadiq, Mekran Medical College, Turbat

    Associate Professor, Department of Physiology

  • Jamshed Warsi, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

    Associate Professor, Department of Physiology

  • Zaib- Un- Nisa Mughal, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

    Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology

  • Autif Hussain Mangi, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

    Institute of Biochemistry

  • Rozina Mangi, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

    PhD Scholar, Department of Physiology

  • Benazir Mahar, University of Sindh, Jamshoro

    PhD Scholar

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Published

29-09-2023

How to Cite

1.
Buriro AA, Memon AM, Sadiq N, Warsi J, Mughal Z-U-N, Mangi AH, et al. The Pandemonium of Malaria in the Rural Population of District Khairpur During the 2022 Monsoon Flood. Pak J Public Health [Internet]. 2023 Sep. 29 [cited 2025 Feb. 9];13(3):113-6. Available from: https://www.pjph.org/pjph/article/view/1149