Abstract
Background: In Ethiopia, malaria is highly seasonal in many communities ,with epidemic-prone transmission patterns and serious public health emergencies that have a major impact on health and the economy. This investigation aimed to assess the malaria outbreaks, determine risk factors for infection and preventive measures in the Siraro district.
Methods: An unmatched case-control study with a 1:1 case-to-control ratio was conducted in the Siraro District from 16 June 2021 to 03 August 2021. The calculated sample size for this study was 148 and a simple random sampling technique was used to select cases and controls. We reviewed the previous five year’s malaria data to establish a threshold level. Both descriptive and analytical statistical procedures were performed. The data were entered using Epi-Info version 7.2.4.0 software and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent factors associated with malaria infection.
Results: Of the total malaria cases (n=183), Plasmodium falciparum species are about 149(81.4%) and almost 100% of the cases were confirmed by RDT/Microscopy . Age group ≥ 5 years were the most affected with an attack rate (AR) of 2.04/1000. Multivariate analysis revealed the place of stay during night adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 5.62, 95% CI= 1.016–31.069, a person with malaria in the house with AOR 15.74,95% CI= 3.029-81.865, presence of stagnant water near to house AOR of 25.60, 95% CI= 4.696-139.649, availability of plants with temporary water pools in the compound an AOR of 90.94,95% CI= 9.019-917.012 and a person who does not hear about malaria prevention on insecticide-treated bed nets utilization adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) of 0.14,95% CI: 0.076, 1.061 were the main associated risk factors for the occurrence of the outbreak.
Conclusions: The malaria outbreak in Siraro District mostly affected children above 5 years of age. Of the variables studied, apeople with malaria in the house, stagnant water, and plants with temporary water pools and lack of awareness about malaria transmission were all significantly associated with the occurrence of malaria outbreaks. The community should be aware of malaria prevention and control measures.