Epidemiological Status of Malaria in Karimganj District of Assam, India (2001-2020)

In the present study Epidemiological status of Malaria in Karimganj disctrict of Assam is monitored from 2001–2020. Plasmodium falciparum accounts for 81% disease burden in the the district but survey also revealed that 41% & 32% cases caused by P. vivax in Block Primary Health Centre (BPHC)- Patharkandi & R.K. Nagar respectively. As per 20 years data from 2001–2020 it was noticed that the Slide Falciparum Rate (SFR) declined from 0.54% (2001) to 0% (2020) but contrastingly high intensity of P. vivax positive cases reported in 2018, 2019 & 2020 with Pv% 60, 45 & 100 respectively, indicating P. vivax as threat in future years. Out of 5 BPHCs in the district 3 BPHCs- Kachuadam, R.K. Nagar & Grishganj viewed mortality zero in last 5 years (2016–2020). In 2016, total 4 mortality recorded in Assam out of which 2 deaths reported from Karimganj district 1 each from BPHCs- Patharkandi and Nilambazar. In 2019 Assam witnessed 6 mortality of which 2 again reported from Karimganj district under same BPHC Nilambazar. From the survey it is also noted that malaria cases are temperature, humidity and rainfall dependent. Favourable temperature is 20-35 o & humidity 57–76%. Thus, maximum cases recorded between between April to July. Study also revealed that gradual decrease in Annual Parasite Index in the district in past 20 years with only 4 mortality in last five years (2016–2020). Hence, from the survey it can be presumed that the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control Programme working sincerely towards malaria free district in future years.