Abstract

Malaria is a tropical and semi-tropical parasitic disease, which is native to some countries including Iran. In recent years, owing to various factors including the overuse of insecticides in agriculture and decreased fund allocated to the disease in the world, the prevalence of malaria has increased. Similar to many developing countries, Iran has some problems in this respect. Every year, some cases of the disease are reported in Qom province. Therefore, it is important to determine the epidemiological status of the disease in the province. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed during 2007- 2009. Diagnosis of the disease was based upon clinical examination and microscopic evaluation of thick and thin peripheral blood smears. Microscopic observation of the parasite in the smear was performed after smear staining. The demographic data, and clinical and laboratory findings were recorded in the patients' datasheet. The data were analyzed using chi square test and t-test. The frequency of malaria cases in 2008 had an increasing trend, compared with the previous year. Most cases occurred during the peak activity period of Anopheles mosquito; from June to October. The infection has occurred mostly in males, in the age range of 16-25, and in urban population in immigrants (Afghan immigrants). Moreover, the highest prevalence was related to Plasmodium vivax, and the most common accompanying symptoms were chilling, and then fever, nausea and vomiting, and generalized pain. Following the care measures and applying regional malaria fighting procedures, would control the disease.