Epidemiology of Malaria in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria
The public health significance of malaria disease is one of a lingering global health concern. The disease is a global menace particularly endemic to communities and regions with weak health systems, primarily affecting low- and lower-middle income countries. A retrospective epidemiological survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of the malaria disease in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State from January to September, 2018. Malaria records from four different primary health centres within Wukari metropolis were approved for collection and analysis. Within the period, a total of 3013 malaria cases were recorded, of which 51% were female and 49% were male. The highest prevalence rate for malaria was recorded for patients in the age groups 20-29 and 30-39 with 21% each while the lowest prevalence rate was recorded for patients in the age group 80-89 with 0%. At a significance level of 0.05, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of malaria between genders (p=0.939263069); although there was significant difference in the prevalence of malaria between age groups (p=0.009). The high prevalence of malaria in Wukari is of great significance and hence public enlightenment efforts should be intensified in the region to help prevent and control the spread of malaria.
Public Health, Disease, Malaria, Epidemiology, Retrospective Study
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