Imported malaria in Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. (1968-1986)

Malaria surveillance was conducted by the Insect Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, to determine the number of imported cases of malaria which entered Trinidad and Tobago from 1968 to 1986. A total of 84 cases of imported malaria was detected; in 44 the agent was Plasmodium falciparum, in 25 P. vivax, in 11 P. malariae, in one P. ovale, and three were mixed. The monthly incidence of malaria showed that July and August accounted for 41% of all imported malaria cases. Most malaria cases were diagnosed among male patients (74.3%) whereas the most significant age group contracting malaria was 20-29 years. Twenty-seven per cent of the persons contracting malaria were Trinidadians, while tourists, seamen and contract officers accounted for 21%. The African continent was responsible for 60%. India 25% and South America 12% of the imported malaria cases diagnosed and treated in Trinidad. Trinidadians of African and East Indian descent accounted for 78% of all imported malaria cases. Malaria resistance and relapse are discussed. The need to maintain port surveillance is emphasized.