Lessons learnt from malaria epidemics in the Islamic Republic of Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran is in the pre-elimination phase of malaria control, but malaria epidemics are still a concern in the south of the country. This retrospective study presents the epidemiological characteristics and predisposing factors of 60 of the malaria epidemics reported in Sistan va Baluchestan province during 2005-09. A zero-truncated negative binomial model was used to investigate the relation between predictor variables and the total number of malaria cases. Malaria epidemics occurred mainly in the southern part of the province, mostly between July and October, peaking in August. Most malaria epidemics were small-scale [8.3% were < 100 cases] and short [51.7% lasted < 1 month]. Plasmodium falciparum was present in 46.7% of the epidemics. An increase in the rainfall rate as well as population movements were the most significant predisposing factors. The results may help inform an epidemic investigation and reporting system as the country approaches the malaria elimination phase

Fauna and checklist of mosquitoes [Diptera: Culicidae] of east Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran

In order to study the mosquito [Diptera: Culicidae] fauna of East Azerbaijan Province, some samplings were carried out by dipping method for the larvae and hand catch, night biting catch, total catch, and shelter pit collection as well as using window trap for the adults during June, July, and August 2004 plus July and August 2005. In total, 1305 adult mosquitoes and 603 larvae were collected. Seven genera and 15 species were identified in the province including; Anopheles claviger, An. hyrcanus, An. maculipennis s.l., An. pseudopictus, An. sacharovi, An. superpictus, Aedes vexans, Coquillettidia richiardii, Cx. pipiens, Cx. theileri, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Culiseta longiareolata, Cs. subochrea, Ochlerotatus caspius s.l., and Uranotaenia unguiculata. An. maculipennis complex, Cx. pipiens, and Cx. theileri were the most prevalent and widely distributed species. An. pseudopictus, Ae. vexans, and Cq. richiardii are reported for the first time in East Azerbaijan Province and a checklist for the mosquitoes of the province is also presented. Among the mosquitoes of the province, there are many potential vectors of human and domesticated animal pathogens that their ecology needs to be studied extensively

[ case-control study about routs of transmission of cholera during summer outbreak in Zahedan]

Background: within the past few years out breaks of cholera has occurred in different points of Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran, especially in the Zahedan district. The objective of this study was definition of the most important routs of transmission of cholera in the rural areas of Zahedan district involved in the cholera outbreak of summer 2003. The outbreak lasted for about 1.5 months

Methods and Materials: a case-control study was performed on 20 patients and 89 subjects as controls. A questionnaire was completed for eve1y subject about individual hygiene, hygiene regulations of' the family, the source of' the drinkable water, use of' chlorination of' water, use of soap jar hand washing, eating and drinking outside in feasts [such as weddings], getting ice .from street vendors, and travel history. Stool culture for detection of cholera was performed for all cases and also for consent controls

Results: in multivariate analysis age [OR = 0. 8, P = 0. 004], eating food in parties [OR = 34.5, P = 0.020], absence of soap in hand-washing place [OR = 4. 7, P = 0. 000] and household size [OR = 1.3, P = 0.002] were significantly associated with cholera in univariate analysis, getting ice from street vendors [P = 0.032] also had relationship with catching cholera

Conclusions: different routes of transmission of cholera are mentioned in reference books; however every outbreak has its own special circumstances. The most important points with regard to this outbreak were the importance of individual hygiene [especially using soap in hand washing], control of production and distribution of ice by street vendors, and the importance of' eating and drinking in ceremonies even feats and weddings. Warning of people about these points may play key role in controlling a cholera outbreak