Malaria in asymptomatic migrant workers and symptomatic patients in Thamaka District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

ObjectiveTo investigate malaria infections in asymptomatic legal migrant workers and symptomatic patients in Thamaka, Kanchanaburi Province.MethodsThis study was conducted during April 26–29, 2008 using thick and thin blood Giemsa's stained. A total of 671 samples were collected in asymptomatic migrant workers and 38 samples in symptomatic patients in the same period.ResultsThe results showed the prevalence rate was 1.64% (11 out of 671 samples) in asymptomatic migrant workers and P. vivax infections were found to be dominant (81.8%). Age group of infections showed between 16–42 years as a high risk of infection. Female: Male ratio was 1: 1.3. The infection rate was 35.7% (10 out of 38 samples) in symptomatic patients with the highest infection being P. falciparum (80.0%). Age group of infections between 13-36 years.MaleFemale ratio was 1: 1.4. About 43% of malarial infections came from Mohlumyai area, Myanmar. Conclusions: The high rate of malarial infections in Thamaka District still need surveillance, especially as migrant workers may spread malaria to the people living in this area if vector present.