Prevalence of malaria and anaemia during the dry season in North Central and South Western Nigeria

Malariometric surveys provide information on epidemiological parameters used in assessing malaria burden for evidence-based decision making. This study provides information on some malariometric indices in two ecologically distinct areas in Nigeria. The study was conducted in New Bussa in Niger State (Sudan savannah) and Ijede in Lagos State (tropical rain forest). Study participants were screened for malaria, fever, anemia and their demographic characteristics recorded. A total of 1,648 participants (813 from New Bussa and 835 from Ijede) were recruited. Majority of the participants in New Bussa were in age group of 5-15 years, (39.9%) while in Ijede they were in age group >35 years, 68.6%. Overall, malaria prevalence by mRDT was 19.4% (95% CI: 17.4-21.5) while microscopy was 11.9% (95% CI: 10.3-13.6). Malaria prevalence in New Bussa by mRDT and microscopy were 32.5% (95% CI: 28.8-36.4) and 18.8% (95% CI: 16 -21.9) respectively while in Ijede malaria prevalence by mRDT was 9.6% (95% CI: 9.7-11.9) and microscopy was 5.7% (95% CI: 4.2 -7.7) respectively. Malaria prevalence was higher in children within 5–15 years of age than other age groups (P<0.05). Fever rate reduced with age and malaria was more prevalent in participants with fever than those without fever (P<0.01). Anaemia prevalence in the two study sites were similar, 21.5%. (P = 0.28). Malaria was hypoendemic and mesoendemic in Ijede and New Bussa respectively during the dry season. There was association between malaria and fever. However, malaria was not a major cause of fever.   Key words: Malaria, fever, anaemia, prevalence, endemicity, Nigeria.