Abstract

CACERES G, José Luis. Malaria before and after massive radical cure in Sucre state, Venezuela. Bol Mal Salud Amb [online]. 2008, vol.48, n.1, pp.83-90. ISSN 1690-4648.

Malaria transmission is the result of several factors related to the host (socioeconomic and geographical) and the parasite. It is also accepted that it is related to climate and the environment, and it is considered as the vector-borne disease more affected by global climate changes. Recent data in Venezuela show that malaria might increase approximately one third during the year after the El Niño event. The massive administration of antimalarial drugs as a prophylactic measure has generated criticisms because of the failure to interrupt the transmission, because of the low numbers of treated persons, and the high probability of dispersion of resistant parasites. In Sucre state, a radical massive cure was given in 2002 to 76.5 percent of the population in the municipalities under control. This was a sufficient level to diminish the parasite and the incidence of the illness. Therefore, the problem solution won’t be achieved with one activity or independent measurement, it is important to handle the human and technical variables, particularly social development, that will permit a harmonic relationship with the environment, avoiding the deterioration of the health and the quality of life of the population. The development of new tools for the control of the vector and the parasite are also necessary.

Keywords : Malaria; Cura Radical Masiva; Incidencia; El Niño; La Niña.