School-age Children as Asymptomatic Malaria Reservoir in Tribal Villages of Bastar Region, Chhattisgarh.

Malaria is a major health concern in India, especially in regions populated by tribals. In this cross-sectional survey carried out in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, 35 Plasmodium infections were detected in 451 participants screened during the non-transmission season; 27 (77.1%) were asymptomatic. Participants with age 6-14 years were at high risk of asymptomatic infection [OR 4.09, 95% CI, 1.69 to 9.89, P=0.001], and may act as an under-appreciated reservoir for sustained malaria transmission.