Spatial targeted vector control in the highlands of Burundi and its impact on malaria transmission

Abstract

Background: Prevention of malaria epidemics is a priority for African countries. The 2000 malaria epidemic in Burundi prompted the government to implement measures for preventing future outbreaks. Case management with artemisininbased combination therapy and malaria surveillance were nationally improved. A vector control programme was initiated in one of the most affected highland provinces. The focal distribution of malaria vectors in the highlands was the starting point for designing a targeted vector control strategy. The objective of this study was to present the results of this strategy on malaria transmission in an African highland region.

Spatial Targeted Vector Control Is Able to Reduce Malaria Prevalence in the Highlands of Burundi

“…Vector control activities were described in a previous study. 18 Briefly, 4 zones were identified in this study: (1) intervention-treated valleys (population of 67,187 and area of 264 km 2 ), (2) corresponding intervention-nontreated hilltops (51,161 inhabitants; 201 km 2 ), (3) unsprayed control valleys (11,744 inhabitants; 50 km 2 ), and (4) control hilltops (10,709 inhabitants; 55 km 2 ). In treated valleys, 1 annual IRS round was performed in June-July using deltamethrin 5WP (in 2002-2004) or alphacypermethrin 5WP (in 2005) at a concentration of 25 mg of active ingredient/m 2 .…”

“…The selection of houses was detailed in a previous paper. 18 Totals of 450 houses in Survey 1, 600 houses in Survey 2, and 800 houses for Surveys 3-9 were selected. All members of the household were enumerated, and 2 individuals-one between ages 1 and 9 and one over age 9-were chosen at random, irrespective of any clinical symptoms.…”

“…Entomological evaluations were carried out in the same houses, and results have been presented elsewhere. 18 Thick and thin blood smears were collected and stained with Giemsa (5% for 20 minutes). Parasite density was determined on the basis of the number of parasites per 200 white blood cells (WBC), assuming a total WBC count of 8000/ L. Thin blood films were used to confirm species identification.…”

“…20 Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and Anopheles funestus are the main vectors. 18 Study design. Vector control activities were described in a previous study.…”

“…Reductions of the vector population and the malaria transmission have already been reported. 18 We present here the impact of these targeted vector control activities on the prevalence of malaria infection.…”