[Malaria index according to age and seasons in the health region of Katana, in mountainous Kivu, Zaire].

A longitudinal malaria survey was undertaken in children under five in 5 villages of Katana Rural Health Zone in Kivu, East Zaire. During the year 1983, seasonal fluctuations ranging from 25 to 44% were observed in the parasitological index as well as concomitant variations from 5 to 18% in the splenic index. More malaria transmission seems to occur during the long dry season (June to September). In order to prepare an operational research project to be conducted in two geographically delimited areas of the Health Zone, a complementary survey was organised in February 1985. This survey yielded details on parasitological, splenic and serological index in relation to age. These malaria indices were similar in the two areas and all gradually increased with age to reach maxima of respectively 42%, 13% and 55%. The Katana region, situated at an altitude of 1500 meters, on the shores of lake Kivu, is apparently characterized by an unstable and meso-endemic malaria. The applicability and feasibility of some alternative malaria control strategies are discussed.