Epidemiological importance of younger age group during malaria epidemic in PHC Tamulpur, Assam.

An investigation of a malaria epidemic was carried out in Tamulpur Primary Health Centre, district Nalbari, Assam during April 1995. The analysis revealed that children between 3 and 12 years of age who were treated and who recovered clinically from fever during the epidemic were instrumental in the progression of the epidemic by acting as Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte reservoirs. Special efforts are required for treatment of children below 12 years during an epidemic.