Malaria surveillance in Mayotte between 2007 and 2016.

Introduction: In the Comoros Archipelago, malaria is endemic and constitutes a major public health problem, with intense and continuous transmission. Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of malaria cases on the island of Mayotte. This study reports the results of 10 years of malaria surveillance in Mayotte between 2007 and 2016. Materials and Methods: All malaria cases reported to the Mayotte branch of the Indian Ocean Health Agency between 2007 and 2016, as part of mandatory reporting, were included in the analysis. Cases were confirmed by at least one rapid diagnostic test and/or a blood smear or thick smear positive for Plasmodium sp. Sociodemographic data, the date of onset of the disease, symptom presentation, laboratory findings, and any history of travel to malaria-endemic areas were collected during outpatient visits or hospitalization. Monthly rainfall data were compiled over the study period. Results: Between 2007 and 2016, 2,113 cases of malaria were reported in Mayotte: 997 imported cases, 826 autochthonous cases, and 290 cases of unknown origin. The overall annual incidence decreased from 3 cases per 1,000 inhabitants in 2007 to 0.05 cases in 2015 (0.12 in 2016) and, for indigenous cases over the same period, from 1.6 to 0.004 cases per 1,000 (0.08 in 2016). In 2011, Mayotte entered the malaria elimination phase according to the World Health Organization’s definition (annual incidence of P. falciparum below 1 case per 1,000 people at risk). Discussion Conclusion: The combined efforts of vector control with active case surveillance and case management, including diagnosis and treatment with artemisinin-based drugs, have played a key role in reducing transmission in Mayotte. Mayotte has entered the malaria elimination phase, but indigenous cases occurred in 2016 in the former Bandraboua foci, and the involvement of the Anopheles funestus mosquito is suspected. Studies are needed to assess its role in this resurgence. Furthermore, community-based approaches for localized vector control could be beneficial, in parallel with a regional malaria control policy.

Author(s): Maillard O, Pages F, Achirafi A, Lepere JF, Rabarison P, Filleul L

Publishing year: 2017

Pages: 512-20

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2017, n° 24-25, p. 512-20

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