Malaria Related Morbidity in Central Reserve Police Force Personnel Located in The North-eastern States of India

Malaria is endemic in most parts of the Northeastern States of India. P. falciparum (the killer parasite) is the predominant parasite species accounting for more than 60% of malarial infections the remaining are P. vivax cases. Focal outbreaks of the diseases are of frequent occurrence particularly along forest fringe/ interborder areas characterized by enhanced morbidity and mortality amidst public chaos and panic. Although Northeastern region constitutes nearly 4% of country population yet it contributes 10% to 12% of total malaria cases 12% to 13% of P. falciparum cases and 14% of deaths of those recorded in India annually. There are multiple vectors operating in this region namely An. minimus An. dirus and An. fluviatilis; these are highly anthropophagic and are responsible for perennial and persistent transmission of malaria despite regular anti-malaria measures conducted under National Anti Malaria Programme. This area is of strategic importance owing to an international border with China to North Bhutan to the west Myanmar to the East and Bangladesh to the South. The movements of defense personnel including Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is a regular feature along interborder/ malaria infested areas and thus are subject to risk of acquiring a malarial infection. The sole objective of this communication is to review the data retrospectively on account of morbidity and mortality attributable to malaria in the Central Reserve Police Force battalions operating in the northeastern states in relation to existing surveillance systems and control measures. (excerpt)