From the Guidelines
Malaria season in India typically runs from May to November, with peak transmission occurring during the monsoon season from June to September. This is based on the most recent evidence available, which highlights the impact of climate change, economic growth, irrigation, urbanization, and deforestation on malaria trends in India 1. The Anopheles mosquito, which carries the malaria parasite, breeds most actively in stagnant water created by heavy rainfall during this period. Key factors contributing to the seasonal pattern of malaria in India include:
- Climate change, which is predicted to shift the malarial zones in India 1
- Economic growth, irrigation, and farming, which can influence vector and pathogen dynamics 1
- Urbanization, deforestation, and population growth, which can lead to the expansion of malaria into highland areas 1
- Development activities, such as dam, canal, and road construction, which can also impact seasonal malaria trends 1
To minimize the risk of malaria transmission, it is essential to take preventive measures, including:
- Antimalarial medications, such as atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, or mefloquine, starting 1-2 weeks before travel and continuing for 1-4 weeks after leaving malaria-endemic areas
- Insect repellents containing DEET (20-30%)
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets
The risk of malaria transmission varies geographically, with higher transmission in rural areas, northeastern states, and central India, while major urban centers generally have lower risk 1. It is crucial to consider these factors when traveling to India during the malaria season to minimize the risk of transmission.
From the Research
Malaria Season in India
- The geographical position and climate of India are favorable for the transmission of malarial infection 2.
- The maximum prevalence of malaria in most parts of India is from July to November months 2.
- Rainfall provides mosquitoes with a breeding ground, giving rise to epidemics 2.
- The peak of malaria is observed during September-November, indicating that the increase in vector breeding after the rainy season is responsible for the upsurge in malarial cases during these months 2.
Regional Variations
- The study conducted in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra found that the area has an unstable transmission of malaria 2.
- The findings of this study may not be generalizable to other regions in India, and more research is needed to determine the malaria season in different parts of the country.
Treatment and Prevention
- While the question of malaria season in India is related to the transmission and prevention of the disease, it is worth noting that effective treatment options are available, including artemisinin-based combination therapies 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the primary focus of these studies is on the treatment of malaria, rather than the determination of the malaria season in India.