PubMed1983
Malaria and filariasis surveys were carried out as part of a broader general health survey between December, 1982 and May, 1983 in the Ok Tedi region of the Star Mountains, Western Province. Malaria, tropical splenomegaly syndrome (TSS) and anaemia were identified as significant health problems. Malaria slide positivity rates of 64.9% in children 2 to 9 years of age and 19.5% in adults 15 years and older indicate high levels of stable malaria transmission. Infections with Plasmodium falciparum were the most common (75.2%), but P. vivax (17.4%) and P. malariae (7.4%) were also encountered. Palpable splenomegaly occurred in 79.2% of adults and children over two years of age with more than 50% of the enlarged spleens grade III or greater (Hackett). Microfilariae (Wuchereria bancrofti) were present in 34.3% of night blood films, and estimated haemoglobin values were considerably below WHO standards. Data from the surveys provide a baseline against which to monitor changes in health status which might be expected to occur in conjunction with the development of a major mining project in the area.