The Retrospective Epidemiological Study of Malaria in Rafsanjan, Kerman Province, from 1999 to 2005

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites. More than one billion people get infected and more than 3 millions die annually from Malaria. In the recent years Iran has been accepted about 2 millions Afghan refugees causing many problems for country's malaria control programs. This study elucidates the epidemiology of malaria in Rafsanjan. In a descriptive study all symptomatic cases admitted to private and governmental medical centers in different areas of Rafsanjan were referred to Malaria Control Center from 1999 to 2005. A questionnaire was filled in for each case by health workers. Data analysis has been done by SPSS software. The incidence rate of malaria decreased when Afghan refugees retuned to their country in a period of 1999 to 2005. The highest rate (62 per100000) occurred in 1999 and the lowest was observed in 2005 with a rate of 29 per 100.000. The majority of cases (92.3%) were male and worker (85.7%) with 98.9% of affected people being Afghans. 46.12% of cases was in age group 20-29. Base on the results obtained it is recommended that: 1.Questionnaires should be filled in and kept more carefully. 2.Seasonal workers should be checked for contagious disease prior to their employment. 3.Health education and epidemic diseases prevention trainings should be provided at different levels (e.g. ordinary people, health workers, and physicians). 4.Control of borders in terms of checking overall health of emigrants especially at the eastern border of Iran should be considered.