PREVALENCE OF MALARIA PARASITES AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING A HOSPITAL IN MANGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malaria parasite is regarded as one of the most serious global health problems. Its large population, diverse weather conditions and cultures make it difficult to implement the same control measures in Nigeria. The current study was conducted from June to October, 2016 to determine some malariometric parameters such as malaria prevalence, transmission based on age and the gender among patients attending a Primary Health Center in Mangu, during the malaria transmission season. Out of the 200 (100%) samples collected and examined, an overall prevalence of 51(25.5%) was recorded. The highest prevalence rates was recorded among age group 1-10 years with 8(33.3%) followed by 61–70 years with 3(30.0%) while least prevalence was recorded among 11 – 20 years age group with 7(23.3%). Statistically, there is no significant difference on malaria based on age (P>0.05). The result also revealed that Males recorded the highest prevalence rate of 21(30.0%) while the Females had the least prevalence of 30 (23.07%)