epidemiological profile of malaria in Aden

In order to study the epidemiology of malaria in Aden, we retrospectively collected and analyzed data of patients examined for malaria in all governmental health institutions in Aden Governorate, during the year 2005. The total examined patients were 46201 and the identified positive malaria cases were 2450. The incidence rate of malaria infection was 412 per 100000 people. Malaria species were mostly due to P. falciparum [96.4%], while P. vivax was [3.6%]. The predominant malaria infections occurred in winter [November - March], showing a seasonal variation that coincides with the increased movement of people, especially workers from other governorates to Aden. The most malaria cases were observed in Sheikh-Othman District [52%] followed by Khormaksar District [14.5%] and Al-Mansoora District [10.7%]. A significant increase noted in the number of cases among children less than 10 years and people aged 10-49 years as a whole and in both genders. The difference between male and female patients was not significant [P > 0.05]. However, we concluded that the continued presence of malaria in Aden poses a significant health problem, especially in the presence of the malaria vector