Epidemiology of Malaria in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

This is an observational study (case-control study) aiming to identify risk factors for malaria infection in health centers or malaria posts or district hospitals in Buntharik District and Nachalui District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. This study expects to recruit 330 cases (malaria positive) and 330 control (negative cases) subject. One-to-one matching of cases (malaria positive) and controls (malaria negative) will be done at each study site. CASE (Malaria positive) subject will go through the following; 1. Enrollment visit (Day 0) 1.1 Blood collection of three dried blood spots, and malaria slide. In district hospitals in individuals \>14 kg: additional 10ml venous blood will be collected. 1.2 A survey questionnaire which includes patient demographics, information on malaria treatment, bed net use and possible risk factors for acquiring malaria, as well as questions about their travel and usage of mobile phones will be administered. 2. Follow up visits (if fever plus Day 42 (+/-3)) 2.1 Blood collection of three dried blood spots and malaria slide. In district hospitals: additional 0.5ml venous blood will be collected. 2.2 Short survey questionnaire including questions on symptoms, travel and possible risk behaviors since enrollment will be administered. CONTROL (Malaria negative) subject will go through the following; 1. Enrollment visit (Day 0) 1.1 Blood collection to confirm negative malaria slide. In district hospitals: additional 0.5ml venous blood will be collected. 1.2 A survey questionnaire including patient demographics, information on any recent malaria treatment they may have taken, bed net use and possible risk factors for acquiring malaria, as well as questions about their travel and usage of mobile phones will be administered. 2. Follow up visit: No follow up visit