ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: With an average altitude of 1,113 m above sea level and a mean maximum temperature of 28.6 degrees C, malaria transmission is possible in Mutare. Against transmission is the regular occurrence of ground frost. We reviewed epidemiological data and undertook a survey for the Anopheles vector. DESIGN: The Anopheles survey used standard techniques for sampling larvae and adult mosquitoes. Species identification was done by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A random sample of blood slides was examined at the Blair Laboratory. Patient residence was determined from the outpatient register. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures monitored from the Mutare Fire Station, were obtained from the Meteorology Office in Harare. SETTING: Mutare city and suburbs. RESULTS: There was no evidence of rising temperatures in Mutare. Only non-vector Anopheles mosquitoes were identified (An. quadriannulatus and An. pretoriensis). One slide positive case had gametocytes present. Mapping generally showed no clustering, but there were two possible transmission foci. CONCLUSION: Temperatures are high enough, but winter lows (< 18 degrees C) do not support malaria transmission in Mutare. The Anopheles survey did not find the vector. Two suggestive clusters were mapped. While present data do not support ongoing malaria transmission within Mutare, in the past, An. gambiae, An. fenestus and An. pretoriensis were recorded. Careful monitoring will be needed.
