Prevalence of Malaria in the Highlands of Obudu Cattle Ranch, Nigeria

Studies on highland malaria have been spurred by reports of rising incidence of the infection at altitudes where the malaria vector was not previously found. Preliminary studies were carried out in Obudu Cattle Ranch communities located at an altitude of 1,585 meters above sea level in the heart of the tropical rainforest of Cross River State of Nigeria; to determine the prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of malaria. The study methodology included the use of questionnaires and secondary data. A four-year prevalence study using malaria data from 2008 to 2011 revealed high transmission rate of malaria on the highlands, with 324 reported cases and a high and fluctuating prevalence rates ranging from 39.61/1000 in 2008 to 68.87/1000 in 2009; and 82.29/1000 in 2010 to 49.1/1000 in 2011. Analysis of seasonal incidence showed higher incidence (68.5%) in the wet season with temperature range of 4°C – 10°C than the dry season with temperature range of 26°C – 32°C. Malaria incidence was significantly related with season and sex (P < 0.05). Children between the ages of 5 and 14 years were the most affected (33.64%); the under-fives constituted 24.69% while the aged, over 60 years of age, constituted 4.62% of total population infected. The study recorded high level of ignorance of disease etiology (62.5%); and negative attitude and practice of malaria treatment, with high preference for self medication (37.5%) and traditional medicine (12.5%).
While the study has documented prevalence of mountain malaria in the region, it has set the stage for in-depth inquiry into the role of climate change on malaria incidence and its implications to public health in Nigeria’s most valued mountain resort.