Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In the face of environmental and climatic changes both ongoing and planned, the epidemiology of malaria in the city of Kaedi (Mauritania), along the Senegal River Valley, requires special attention. Some cases of malaria have been registered in the health facilities throughout the year, with an average of 150,000 annual suspected cases and climatic and ecological conditions which are now favorable for seasonal transmission. METHODS: We conducted two cross-sectional descriptive surveys in the city of Kaedi in September 2014 (wet season) and in May 2015 (dry season). Our cluster sampling involved 700 households. Microscopic examination was performed in all household members. Furthermore, larval surveys, early morning wildlife spraying and nocturnal traps breaking were performed. RESULTS: During both seasons, 9.313 thick smears were manufactured, 15 were positive, with a plasmodium prevalence rate of 0.16%. Among these, 12 were positive in the dry season and 3 in the rainy season. Plasmodium prevalence rate was 0.26% and 0.06% respectively in the dry season (n = 4642) and in the wet season (n = 4671). In the rainy season, rates were 0.04% (2/4671) and 0.02% (1/4671) respectively for Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum. The only species found in the dry season was Plasmodium falciparum. Entomological investigations showed the presence of a single species of Anopheles mosquito, Anopheles gambia (two in the rainy season and six in the dry season). Larval surveys showed that the larval fauna was dominated by Culex larvae (99.6%). Anopheles larvae (0.4%) were collected only during the dry season. CONCLUSION: Despite low malaria transmission in the city of Kaedi, in a context of lack of rainfall, health authorities should implement a strategy for malaria elimination in the wilayas of the Senegal River.