Bioenvironmental and meteorological factors related to the persistence of malaria in Fayoum Governorate: a retrospective study

The present study was conducted to determine the magnitude of the malaria problem in Fayoum Governorate and to ascertain the determinant factors behind its persistence in this area. Malaria records in Fayoum Governorate for the period 1971-1999 were reviewed retrospectively. The data show that no Plasmodium vivax cases were recorded during 1997-1999 and prediction up till 2004 indicated no positive cases expected. No P. falciparum cases were detected in 1998 and 1999. The prediction trend for this species showed an apparent but not statistically significant decrease in the incidence. The factors responsible for the persistence of malaria in this governorate are discussed.