ABSTRACT

The province of Manisa is a relatively well developed agricultural and industrial center in western Turkey. There is a regular and extensive influx of workers from malaria-endemic regions of Anatolia to the province of Manisa during certain periods of the year, leading to contact between the local people and incoming workers. Major seasonal elevations can be detected in the prevalence of malaria in the province of Manisa and therefore an active fight against malaria is still carried out. In the present study, malaria cases detected and reported by the Malaria Control Dispensary of the Manisa City Health Centre during the last 3 years in Manisa have been evaluated. Comparison of present and prior data of malaria prevalence in Manisa has shown a remarkable decrease in recent years. A total of 14, 5 and 5 cases were reported in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Classification of the cases according to their origin (local or immigrant), age and the time diagnosis was also presented.

Keywords: Malaria, epidemiology, Manisa