Prevalence and Seasonality of Malaria Infection in Obi and Keffi LGAs, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality, especially among children. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence and seasonal variation of malaria infection in Gwadenye and Angwan Alheri communities within Obi and Keffi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 879 individuals between March 2023 and February 2024 and tested using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs). Of the subjects screened, 317 (36%) tested positive out of the eight hundred and seventy-nine (879) subjects that were screened. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher malaria prevalence was recorded in wet season (39%) compared to the dry season (31%). Although infection was slightly higher in males (37%) than females (35%), the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Across age groups, children aged 0–10 years had a significantly higher prevalence (10%) than adults aged 21 and above, and differences varied significantly (P < 0.05). Geographically, Keffi LGA recorded a significantly (P < 0.05) higher infection rate (23.4%) than Obi LGA (12.3%). Monthly prevalence also varied significantly (P < 0.05), peaking in August and October and reaching its lowest in April and February in Keffi and Obi, respectively. Malaria remains an all-year-round public health burden in the study communities as such requires a corresponding all year-round malaria intervention with focus on seasonality and age.
