Severe Complicated Malaria in High Risk Areas of Mon State, Myanmar, 2006-2012

Abstract

Cases of severe complicated malaria in Myanmar had declined during 2006-2012, yet some townships in the southeastern part continued to report poor outcome of malaria patients in spite of applying similar interventions as other high-risk areas. The purpose of this paper was to understand the reasons behind the poor malaria outcome of some townships in Mon State. We described trends and distribution of severe complicated malaria cases in 2006-2012. During 2006-2012, Yae Township contributed one-third to half of all severe complicated malaria cases in Mon State every year. In 2012, more than 25% of confirmed malaria cases were reported from high risk areas, including Beelin, Kyaikhto, Thaton and Yae Townships. Among these townships, Yae and Kyaikhto reported higher proportion of severe complicated malaria cases among under five children and pregnant women in 2012. In addition, fewer number of malaria cases was detected by village health volunteers than basic health staff in these townships, which might be due to inaccessibility to health services. Strengthening surveillance system and community-based malaria control program in Yae and Kyaikhto might reduce severe complicated malaria in these areas.