[Malaria in Vanuatu. Recent epidemiological data].
The Republic of Vanuatu, ex-Condominium of New-Hebrides, is an archipelago in the South Pacific, between Solomon Islands and New-Caledonia. Although the health system is quite satisfactory, malaria has become the major health problem in the whole country. Its epidemiological characteristics are reviewed, and particularly the biology of the only known vector, the Anopheles farauti complex. A sudden and severe aggravation of the malaria morbidity since 1980 is then evidenced. This increase of the yearly incidence (from 21% to 183% between 1980 and 1984) has privileged the rising of Plasmodium falciparum which reached 75% of the national paraside index. Moreover, it has clearly followed a geographical progression from north to south within the group during the four years. Various possible causes to this alarming situation are examined, among which the emergence of chloroquin-resistant strains of P. falciparum, and the possibility of modifications in the vector's population, particularly hold the attention.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007303:Insect Vectors; D008288:Malaria / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009032:Mosquito Control; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum; D009514:Vanuatu
Le paludisme à Vanuatu. Données épidémiologiques récentes.